Jenson Button takes ambassador role for McLaren in 2017 - Vandoorne promoted alongside Alonso
Published by Christine
Jenson Button has announced he will be taking a step back from a full time race drive in Formula One after this season has been completed, but he’s not retiring completely. Unlike Felipe Massa, who confirmed his retirement from the sport this week, Button intends to remain with McLaren and work with them on what they are calling an “innovative three-driver strategy.”
Button has actually signed a new two –year contract, which boss Ron Dennis describes thus: “He’ll continue to be a senior, influential and committed member of the team, and will remain centrally involved in the development of our cars. He’ll also be available to race for us if circumstances require it.”
Stoffel Vandoorne has been promoted from the reserve driver position to the main seat for the 2017 season, after making his debut in Bahrain this year deputising for Fernando Alonso. Vandoorne and Alonso will be the McLaren line up for next year, with Button loitering in the wings.
