Button said: “Will I wait for the decision? That’s something I can’t comment
on right now.”
In truth, the 34-year-old is not the sort of character these days to hang a
team out to dry, but the delay has made for an increasingly toxic
relationship between the McLaren hierarchy and their driver.
The bond between Ferrari and Alonso has had its flaws as the team have slid
into uncompetitiveness, but its greatest failing has been its inability to
deliver championships. In five seasons, they have missed out at the final
race twice.
It is into this mess that Vettel walks. The four-time champion is desperate to
emulate Schumacher’s achievements. The four-time champion said: “When I was
a kid, Michael Schumacher in the red car was my greatest idol and now it’s
an incredible honour to finally get the chance to drive a Ferrari.”
There was also good news for Britain’s Will Stevens on Thursday. The
22-year-old will make his F1 debut for the beleaguered Caterham team this
weekend.