Button would gladly work with Alonso in a parallel universe

If he recently acknowledged having thought about retiring from Formula One, Jenson Button will indeed be on the starting grids in 2013. Last October, while rumors suggested he was heading to Ferrari, the Briton extended his contract with McLaren until the end of 2014.

In an interview with the Italian magazine *Autosprint*, Jenson Button addresses the rumors of him becoming Fernando Alonso’s teammate at Maranello: « I’ve always had contact with some of them. With Stefano [Domenicali, editor’s note], we often see each other in the paddock, we say “Hi! How’s it going?”. However, he knows my situation, he knows I have a contract for next year. I don’t see why there should be much insistence in my direction. »

But when the Italian journalist asks him if he is proud of having been approached by a team like Ferrari, the Briton responds, with a smile at the corner of his lips: “Who said they did?” And the native of Frome adds: “If you look at this team, McLaren, you will see a team that has won so much. And if you look on the other side, at the Reds, you will see the same thing. All Italians are passionate about sports, especially motorsports. However, currently, [McLaren] is the best place for me, but, as I’ve said before… Never say never.”

However, the Englishman assures that a future in Maranello is not conceivable for him as long as Fernando Alonso has his quarters there: « He is a very intelligent driver and maybe, in a parallel universe, I would gladly work with him. It would be difficult but it’s always interesting to have someone as strong-minded and cunning beside you. I admire him as I admired Alain Prost. He has created a great atmosphere around him at Ferrari, with very competent people. I feel sorry for Felipe [Massa, ed.], but I believe Fernando has the whole team around him. »