Button ends rumour mill after signing extension at McLaren

Button has been waiting for the last two months for McLaren to take up the option on his contract for 2012, although a game of cat and mouse has also taken place behind the scenes.

With seats expected to be available at Red Bull and Ferrari in 2013, with Mark Webber and Felipe Massa unlikely to be retained by their respective teams come the end of next year, Button was apparently keeping his options open.

McLaren, however, were eager to retain the services of a driver who was initially warned against entering “the lion’s den” by three-time champion Sir Jackie Stewart when he first arrived at the start of last year, such was the perceived dominance of Lewis Hamilton within the team.

Button, however, has so far more than matched his fellow Briton, and this year is on course to become the first driver in Hamilton’s five seasons with McLaren to finish ahead of him.

With talk of Button being in line for an ambassadorial role at McLaren come the day he decides to hang up his driving gloves, it was only a matter of time before he agreed to the pay hike and extended deal.

It is understood McLaren have pushed the boat out to the tune of £10m per year, a rise of £4m per year on a contract that runs for the next two years at least.

Button, who has made no secret of his love for the Woking-based marque, is convinced he can recapture the F1 crown he won with Brawn GP in 2009.

“I’ve never felt more at home at a team than I do McLaren,” said Button. “I’ve won four of the greatest races of my life here, I’m currently lying second in the drivers’ championship, and I feel I’m driving better than ever.

“You can only achieve that with the right level of support, and I truly believe the passion and determination to win are stronger here than anywhere else.”

Team principal Martin Whitmarsh is delighted that Button has now signed.

“Jenson is a great driver and a great guy,” said Whitmarsh. “He’s also one of the most capable and respected drivers we’ve ever had, and I’m therefore absolutely delighted he’ll continue to work with us into the future.”