Button: McLaren not only option for 2017

The former world champion’s contract runs out at the end of the year, and his Woking bosses have said that they will decide in September whether to keep him on board or opt for Stoffel Vandoorne.

Button is well aware that there is no guarantee he will get a new contract, and speculation has linked him with a switch to Williams – with the team admitting that he would be a good addition.

Speaking to Sky about the situation, Button said that his priority was getting back into a car that allowed him to enjoy competing in F1 again.

Asked about comments from Claire Williams that praised him, Button said: “We would all like someone to say that about us, so that was very nice of her.

“I don't know what I am doing next year. I want to be enjoying myself again and be in a position whether I can fight for good results, whether it's a building year, a podium year or a winning year. That's what I need.

"Hopefully McLaren will be strong and competitive next year but I'm sure there are other possibilities as well."

Lack of results

Button is open that there have been some challenging times at McLaren in recent years, but is not despondent about the situation it is in.

“I feel l am a big part of this team,” he said. “After every race l am in the factory, debriefing, engineering and working with the aerodynamicists closely.

“I feel l am moving the car in a good direction. I am enjoying it. That part of the job is really enjoyable at the moment. We are not winning, we are not on the podium so you have to look at other areas that excite you and they do.”

He added: “I enjoy the fight where l am right now and l enjoy getting everything out of the package but at some point that will get too much."