Jenson Button has performed a dramatic u-turn and committed to drive for McLaren next year, despite reports that he had made up his mind to retire at the end of the season.
The former world champion has cut a disconsolate figure at times this season as his car's performance has veered from bad to awful. He finished last week's Japanese Grand Prix in 16th place.
Most observers expected him to quit after Suzuka, and that feeling was heightened when he cast doubt on McLaren boss Ron Dennis's assertion that he would remain with the team. There were also rumours he was set for a role on the BBC's revamped Top Gear show.
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Now however he has agreed to another year in the cockpit.
"It has become clear to me that Ron is both utterly determined and uniquely equipped to lead our team through its current difficulties to great successes in the future," said Button. "That gives me great confidence, and it is for that reason that, together, he and I have decided to continue our partnership; and, as soon as I had made that decision, straight away I realised it was the correct one."
A commitment from the team to overcome the engine difficulties that have relegated its cars to the back of the grid this season may have been critical, but a payday of £12m may also have helped Button come to his decision, reports Daniel Johnson of the Daily Telegraph.
Amid concerns about the future of Button's team-mate Fernando Alonso, also rumoured to be considering his future, McLaren "backed down on plans to force Button to accept a reduced pay deal", says Johnson. "It seems Alonso's uncertain position influenced Dennis to make sure Button was secure."
Button's decision will be welcomed not only by McLaren, says Kevin Eason of The Times. "The news will come as a relief to tens of thousands of fans who flooded social media pleading with the popular Englishman to stay," he says.
McLaren now have Button on board and a commitment from Honda "that they will get to grips with the engine problems that have consigned the team’s two world champions to the back of the grid," says Eason. "Chandon, the French champagne company, have joined as a new sponsor and more major brand names are said to be in the pipeline. It may not yet be a turning point but Dennis believes that McLaren are pulling together after the worst period in the team’s long and illustrious history."
