OCTOBER 5, 2011

Button extends McLaren contract

McLaren-Mercedes has announced today that they have signed Jenson Button to a multi-year contract to continue driving for the British team.

After winning the 2009 World Championship, Button joined McLaren to partner Lewis Hamilton, and currently lies second in the championship behind Sebastian Vettel. McLaren did not disclose the terms of the agreement, or even the length - only stating that it is a multi-year deal.

The 31-year-old Button agreed a three-year deal when he joined the team, which was set to run through the 2012 season, and recent rumors have speculated that Ferrari might be interested in Button for 2013.

Button said, "I've never felt more at home at a team than I do at Vodafone McLaren Mercedes."

"I've won four of the greatest races of my life here, I'm currently lying second in the drivers' world championship, and I feel that I'm driving better than ever."

"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."

"We at Vodafone McLaren Mercedes know how to win, and we're busy refining an organisation that will enable us to keep on doing that for years to come."

Team principal Martin Whitmarsh said, "Jenson 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. I feel sure that he'll now build on the considerable success he's already achieved with us, and will be even more successful with us in years to come."

"I think he and Lewis say it better than anyone. Their comments show just how much they respect and trust each other, and they once again continue to prove what we as a team have always known: that Vodafone McLaren Mercedes has the very best driver line-up in all of Formula 1."

Button's team mate Lewis Hamilton 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."