“You can only achieve that with the right level of support – and I truly
believe that the passion and determination to win are stronger here at
Vodafone McLaren Mercedes than anywhere else.
“As a grand prix driver, those are incredibly powerful feelings to share
and be part of, and they’ve only reinforced my desire to commit my long-term
future to this team.
“I’ve made no secret of my ambition to continue winning races and world
championships, and I fully believe this is the place where I can achieve
those aims.”
Button’s decision to commit his future to McLaren is hardly a surprise – he
has constantly stressed his happiness at Woking – but it does come after
months of speculation that he might sign for just one more year, thereby
giving himself wriggle room should McLaren have a poor 2012. Both Red Bull
and Ferrari are known admirers of Button .
Button himself said his preference was for McLaren to trigger the one-year
option McLaren had on him for 2012 rather than rush into a long-term deal.
However, the expiry date for that option is believed to have passed and it
seems Button’s manager Richard Goddard has managed to agree terms on a new
long-term deal.
The main areas of contention were understood to revolve around Button’s
sponsorship and PR commitments. Earlier this year both Button and Hamilton
complained they were being worked too hard.
It is still unclear how many years Button has signed for and whether his
estimated £6 million per year salary has risen or fallen.
Hamilton, whose management are also in negotiations with McLaren and whose
contract expires at the end of 2012, said: “It’s great news that Jenson
has chosen to stay with Vodafone McLaren Mercedes.
“Jenson has been a great person to work with, and a genuine team-player,
from the moment we welcomed him on board.
McLaren team principal Martin Whitmarsh added: ҉ۻJenson is a great driver
and a great guy. In fact, I can safely say that he’s one of the most capable
and respected drivers we’ve ever had, and I’m therefore absolutely delighted
that he’ll continue to work with us into the future.
“He’s a considerable credit to this organisation, and I’m proud to be his
Team Principal.”