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Button could abandon McLaren and join Renault

Published on 29 Sep 2015 11:44
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By: Rob Veenstra

Renault's 'letter of intent' has given Lotus ten more weeks to finalise the sale of the embattled Enstone team. Mere hours before Lotus faced London's high court on Monday, Renault announced that it is now committed to completing the deal "in the coming weeks".

Also promised to the court was that a loan agreement had been made so that British authorities would receive its $4 million in unpaid taxes and insurance, resulting in the case being adjourned for ten more weeks. So if the buyout is complete by December, there is the strong possibility that Renault will be back in 2016 with a full works team.

It is expected that Romain Grosjean, currently at Lotus, will be unveiled on Tuesday as a Haas driver for 2016. Pastor Maldonado has already been confirmed by Lotus for next year. So if Renault has a seat open, Britain's Daily Mirror believes Jenson Button could be a lead contender to abandon the McLaren-Honda project and switch camps.

That would explain the odd spat between the two sides in Japan, with Ron Dennis vowing to honour Button's 2016 contract but the 2009 world champion refusing to commit. "If I am in F1 next season, it is to be competitive," Button told France's L'Equipe. "Fighting for eighth place does not interest me."

Probably Button's closest friend in the paddock is former F1 driver turned television commentator David Coulthard, who admits there is a possibility the 35-year-old will quit McLaren. "If Jenson still has a passion, and a belief that Honda will make a huge step forward, just as Ferrari did this year, then he should continue," he wrote in the Telegraph. "But if he fears another year like this, then he needs to move on. Otherwise it is just going to be counterproductive," Coulthard added. (GMM)

talktohenry

Posts: 362

Think he has lost interest in the Honda project, and not surprised if he goes, my guess is that himself and FA will not be driving for Mc Laren in 2016 and FA already setting himself to get sacked by the ''GP 2'' comment.

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Sep 29 2015 - 12:42

F1 News Jenson Button Romain Grosjean Pastor Maldonado Ferrari McLaren Renault Lotus F1 Honda

Replies (5)

talktohenry

Posts: 362
Think he has lost interest in the Honda project, and not surprised if he goes, my guess is that himself and FA will not be driving for Mc Laren in 2016 and FA already setting himself to get sacked by the ''GP 2'' comment.
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- Sep 29 2015 - 12:42
- Black Book
  
  Posts: 1,695
  Totally agreed Henry. It was on purpose what Alonso said on the radio, specially in Japan, on the circuit that is owned by Honda. It was a strong signal about what's going on and happening in the near feature I think.
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  Sep 30 2015 - 00:07
jimac

Posts: 30
There are two reasons I don't believe this is the case:-
1). Jenson stated that, if he is to continue in F1, it will be with McLaren.
2). Pastor Maldonado is confirmed for next year and I don't think JB would want to work with him.
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- Sep 29 2015 - 17:29
- calle.itw
  
  Posts: 8,527
  I agree, a switch to Renault doesnt feel likely for Button.
  + 0
  
  Sep 29 2015 - 18:14
khasmir

Posts: 893
Don't see that happening, he will stay at McLaren or quit.
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- Sep 29 2015 - 20:21