McLaren says that it is “building for the future” after signing a new multi-year deal with Jenson Button.
While the team had always insisted that Jenson would stay, the duration of the contract was the major sticking point.
With Fernando Alonso and Sebastian Vettel already committed to long term deals with Ferrari and Red Bull respectively, the grid looks set to have a familar look to it for some time to come.
Button said: “I’ve never felt more at home at a team than I do at Vodafone McLaren Mercedes. I’ve won four of the greatest races of my life here, I’m currently lying second in the drivers’ world championship, and I feel that I’m driving better than ever.
“You can only achieve that with the right level of support – and I truly believe that the passion and determination to win are stronger here at Vodafone McLaren Mercedes than anywhere else.
“As a Grand Prix driver, those are incredibly powerful feelings to share and be part of, and they’ve only reinforced my desire to commit my long-term future to this team.
“I’ve made no secret of my ambition to continue winning races and world championships, and I fully believe this is the place where I can achieve those aims. We at Vodafone McLaren Mercedes know how to win, and we’re busy refining an organisation that will enable us to keep on doing that for years to come.”
“It’s great news that Jenson has chosen to stay with Vodafone McLaren Mercedes,” said Lewis Hamilton. “Jenson has been a great person to work with, and a genuine team-player, from the moment we welcomed him on board.”
Martin Whitmarsh added: “Jenson is a great driver and a great guy. In fact, I can safely say that he’s one of the most capable and respected drivers we’ve ever had, and I’m therefore absolutely delighted that he’ll continue to work with us into the future.
“He’s a considerable credit to this organisation, and I’m proud to be his Team Principal. I feel sure that he’ll now build on the considerable success he’s already achieved with us, and will be even more successful with us in years to come.
“I think he and Lewis say it better than anyone. Their comments show just how much they respect and trust each other, and they once again continue to prove what we as a team have always known: that Vodafone McLaren Mercedes has the very best driver line-up in all of Formula 1.”
Adam Cooper F1 
It was the logical choice really. No former WDC is going to want Massas seat.
He deserves it. Superb season.
the only serious option for him, and he does deserve it. i hate the way they have to refer to the team as ‘Vodafone McLaren Mercedes’ though – I loathe corporate schmoozing – but it’s the way it is these days I guess