Button: 'I want to live a year that's not by the F1 schedule'

Singapore - Jenson Button says he would be happy to retire with just a single world championship under his belt.

Recently at Monza, Formula 1's longest serving active driver and McLaren announced that Button will take a year out in 2017, but may return the season after.

'Do other things'

The 36-year-old Button said in Singapore it is possible he will do some racing in Japanese GT or rallycross next year.

Button is quoted by the local Straits Times newspaper: "I want to live a year that's not by the F1 schedule. I want to spend more time with my friends, family, and to do other things that I love, like triathlons.

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"The problem is it's been my life. Everything that follows after a grand prix is either recovery or preparation, so I need something else in my life next year."

Coming back like a Pro(st)

Button also said his 'sabbatical' could be more like Alain Prost's than Mika Hakkinen's, because while the Finn didn't ever return, Prost came back to win a title.

But even if he doesn't, Button said he is satisfied with his career.

Button said: "As a kid, the dream was to win the world championship in F1. I've reached my goal. Would I like to win more? Of course. But would I retire upset? No."