“Even if we have an uncompetitive car, you still believe in the future you
will get a competitive car.
“You don’t immediately think ‘well, I’ve had some great times, it is time to
leave’.
“You still feel strongly about building up the team and fighting for a world
championship again.
“If we get a bad car over the next couple of years it’s not going to make me
think ‘it’s time to give up now’.
“I’ll still have fight in me and I’ll want to get back to winning ways.
“But right now, I can’t see a time when I might stop.”
It was a similar situation with his former Honda team-mate of many years
Rubens Barrichello who had no desire to walk away, even at the age of 39.
Instead, Brazilian Barrichello found himself surplus to requirements with
Williams at the end of last season, but such is his passion for racing he
has switched to IndyCar for this year.
For Button, currently in his 13th season in F1, he admits there is not even
the slightest temptation to leave, or look at fresh pastures.
“A lot of people enjoy the sport, but they find it a little bit overpowering,”
added Button.
“I think Michael (Schumacher) probably found that – and Kimi (Raikkonen) too –
that he wanted to spend more time with his family and friends and maybe try
something new.
“But you soon realise this is where your heart is and this is what you were
born to do, not that we can’t achieve in other things.
“But when you’ve put so much time, energy and effort into one sport it’s
difficult to move on, and I don’t see any reason to move on.”
It is why there is every likelihood Button will see out his career with
McLaren, providing their relationship continues to prosper, as has been the
case over the last two years, and he continues to deliver.
With six wins behind him with the team and after finishing runner-up to
Sebastian Vettel last season, Button said: “I do feel very good here.
“We’ve a great atmosphere, everyone thinks it’s a very cold, very grey team.
“I was expecting that a little bit when I arrived, but at that point I knew
they normally build good cars and their history is very exciting.
“But there is a great passion here. People talk about Ferrari
and them being very passionate, and they are.
“But I don’t think most people realise how passionate this team is, and how
much they want to achieve.
“So I’m very happy here, and you never know what’s going to happen in the
future.
“I’m not going to sign my life away, but I’ll stay here for the next few
years, definitely. I’m going to be here.”