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LONDON, Dec 4 - Jenson Button waited for news about his Formula 1 future on Thursday (Dec 4) as the McLaren board failed to decide who will partner Fernando Alonso in their 2015 driver line-up.
While Alonso has yet to be confirmed, despite leaving Ferrari, his return to McLaren is taken for granted within the sport.
That leaves Button and current team mate Kevin Magnussen scrapping for the second seat, with the rookie seen by some as offering more potential than the 2009 F1 champion.
SOONER THAN LATER
Asked at a sponsor event in Edinburgh whether he expected to be retained, Button smiled and told Sky Sports television: "That's a question I still can't answer. I don't know when we will find out. I think for all of our sakes it's better sooner rather than later.
"I'm here with Kevin (Magnussen) today as well, we spent the last couple of days together... we've had some interesting conversations."
McLaren group head Ron Dennis told reporters after the season-ending 2014 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix that the board would decide.
A McLaren spokesman said after the meeting, however, that no decision had been taken about the driver line-up.
The former world champions, who have not won a race since Button's last victory in Brazil in 2012, are starting a new partnership with Honda next year and have also yet to announce a title sponsor.
Button said he would respect the team's decision but would love the chance to continue: "If I'm in F1 next year it's obviously an exciting challenge with the new engine and the new atmosphere within the team. If I'm not, I've got other exciting challenges that I want to partake in.
"So I wouldn't worry about me. It's just nicer to know sooner rather than later."
Button has also been linked to a move to sportscar racing with Porsche, where Mark Webber is now competing after leaving Red Bull.
Button, who scored 126 points to Magnussen's 55 this season, has made clear money will not be a factor in any decision.
Button said: "I've had a great career in Formula One which I would love to see continue. I've really enjoyed this year and I feel that we've got a good base for a great future...it's an exciting new challenge and I'm all for new challenges."
