Ron Dennis says there is "no reason" why Jenson Button shouldn't race for McLaren again in 2018 after a year out.
Button announced on Saturday evening he will take a sabbatical from racing in F1 as he needs a break, with Stoffel Vandoorne taking his seat at McLaren. Button has signed a new two-year contract with the team which will see him take on an ambassadorial role as well as acting as reserve driver should be required.
The deal also includes an option for Button to race again for McLaren in 2018 - when Fernando Alonso's contract expires - and Dennis says the fact the Briton has been retained as part of the team shows how highly rated he is.
“First of all everyone here knows Jenson," Dennis told assembled media at Button's announcement. "They probably know him in a different way to myself, you all know he is a fantastic guy and you’ve witnessed, both in and out of the car, what a complete driver he is.
"F1 is an addictive sport and stopping any form of addiction is challenging. This offer which I made to Jenson and which he took, really reflects the esteem in which the whole team holds him. He’s a really fantastic guy and there’s no reason why he shouldn’t come back and race in 2018.
"The only thing he was hesitant about was hankering for a break. As I said, it didn’t have to be a complete break, this was an innovative way to provide the team with all the advantages of having Jenson in the team - complete with his ability to drive if necessary - and give him what he wanted which was a bit of relaxation time to enjoy some of the things that he hasn’t been able to enjoy to date.”
COMMENT: McLaren's 2017 driver line-up: A stroke of genius?
REPORT: Imperious Hamilton storms to Monza pole
Silbermann says ... Mad about Max, Monza and Massa
Claire Williams on Felipe Massa and 2017 driver plans
Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter
