Jenson Button looks set to retire from Formula 1 after admitting this weekend’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is likely to be his last.
The former world champion signed a new contract until 2018 with McLaren to become an ambassador for the team allowing Stoffel Vandoorne to take over the race seat next year.
Button emphasised at the time that he could return to F1 in 2018 stressing the announcement shouldn’t be considered as his retirement from the sport.
However, Button has now confirmed he has no intention to race in 2018 and is treating the Yas Marina season finale as his last F1 race.
“I go into this weekend thinking it is going to be my last race, that is the best way to be at this moment of time,” said Button.
”Beyond this, I don’t want to be racing in F1, that is the whole idea.
“I think of this as my last race and hopefully everyone else does.
“Nothing has changed, I am just going into this race thinking it is my last.
“I am just going into this race thinking it is my last, I don’t want to go in thinking it isn’t my last and it is my last.
“It is true I have a contract for 2018 but at this moment in time I am not going to be racing in 2018.
“The whole idea about having a contract is that in three months time, when I have eaten myself stupid and thinking of things to do in the future, maybe I realise I need F1 back in my life, but in this moment of time that isn’t the case – so this is my last race.
“That is how I think about it at the moment, but who knows this could change in six/eight months or one year.”
The 36-year-old is now set to exit the sport having scored 15 victories and a coveted world championship triumph in 2009 with Brawn GP.
Button made his debut in 2000, aged 20, when he joined Williams before going on to race for Benetton, Renault, BAR Honda, Honda, Brawn GP and McLaren.
“It has been a long journey – from eight years old until now I have been racing in motorsport,” he added.
“Everything before F1 was work to try to get to F1, and you get to F1 with many dreams and aspire to be something.
“I raced for two teams I dreamed of racing for as a kid, Williams and McLaren, and when I won the championship it was with a privateer team, which is very special.
“There are so many memories I can’t put them all out on the table right now.
“I will definitely step away from F1 happy with what I achieved and knowing my life does start now.”
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