Official: Button to give up McLaren seat to Vandoorne in 2017

The announcement created a surprise after the Italian Grand Prix qualifying, which saw Lewis Hamilton take pole position. But it’s another British driver who made a sensation.

During a press conference organized by McLaren, Ron Dennis announced his driver duo for the 2017 season. It will consist of Fernando Alonso and Stoffel Vandoorne. What about Jenson Button then? According to the McLaren director, the Briton is not ending his Formula 1 career and will take a sabbatical year. He will thus retain a role as a consultant and reserve driver.

Under contract until 2018, the 2009 world champion remains an option for McLaren in case Vandoorne doesn’t meet expectations or if Fernando Alonso decides not to continue before his contract ends.

Ron Dennis explains more clearly McLaren’s new strategy regarding its drivers for the next two years: Extending Jenson’s contract to include 2017 and 2018 will keep him as an influential and dedicated member of the team and he will retain a central role in the development of our cars. He will also be available to race, should circumstances require it.

McLaren therefore decides to trust the young Belgian, Stoffel Vandoorne, who had already replaced an injured Fernando Alonso in Bahrain this season, even having the luxury of scoring a point.

The announcement of Jenson Button’s pre-retirement follows that of Felipe Massa, confirming his intention to retire from Formula 1 at the end of the current season.