Jenson Button and Sergio Perez have both said implied that they will soon be confirmed at McLaren for next season.
The team has always insisted that both men will stay on, although it has been in no hurry to formally take up their options.
“I’ve got a good feeling I’ll be here next year, that’s as much as I can say,” said Button. “I’m very happy that I’ll be in this team next year.”
Asked by this writer about the year after next, when Honda joins McLaren, he said: “Don’t know about that yet. I couldn’t comment anyway, but I have a good feeling about that as well. The big ‘H’ is very interesting for the future.”
Meanwhile Perez voiced similar sentiments about his deal being nearly complete.
“We’ve been having some discussions about the contract,” said the Mexican. “The contract is done but we are just finalising the final dots. Obviously I cannot give much detail about them, but everything is pretty much done.”
Adam Cooper F1 
let me start saying I am Mexican, but if Perez doesn’t start delivering ASAP, not matter about how bad is the car, etc… We won’t see him even the full 2014 in the Mclaren. He needs to learn to be patient… and wait until the right time or risk at the right time but with a clean overtaking. Obviously, with a faster car is much easier but Perez is not even matching Button’s performance during the race. That’s true, sometimes the team has been giving preference to Button but probably because they want to push Perez to show the team what he shown during 2012… risking but driving well at the same time. No more excuses Perez please. Watch Prost races and learn from his strategies… he never tried to win the race or championship in the first lap… well, not 100% true but it was special ocassion against Senna (paying back).
Interesting to hear a Mexican offer such views, most of your countrymen will probably disagree! Sergio could definitely do with some solid results over these next few races.
Well Adam, Resulst speaks by themselves (being Mexican or no), and even Checo sometimes shines, sometimes he just don’t. If he just keep up all his passional driving but safe, avoiding little mistakes, and pushing to hell but with consistency anyother team would love to get him. Besides the BIG sponsor support he has. But a rummor just started today about Mclaren looking for Alonso’s comeback to drive for Mclaren. Personaly, I think that’s all about F1… rummors, but the true it may not be Alonso who they are looking for. Actually it still be a message for Webber for 1 year contract for 2014. But I think that’s the BIG F1 Circus. I have been following F1 since 1984. Alain Prost is my idol (not necessary the fastest driver, no doubt it was Senna) but probably the more consistent and best strategy driver. I do see Perez starting the 2014 in Mclaren, but probably looking for his replacement in case he doesn’t start delivering immediatelly.
With a new agreement with Honda on the horizon, I cannot imagine McLaren letting Button go anywhere. It will be good to see what Button and Perez can do with a better car next year.
This was only a matter of time. Hopefully McLaren can build them a race-winning car next season.
At no stage this season could McLaren claim that either of
their current drivers were underperforming in a car which,
to put it mildly, will not be one they will show proudly in their
collection of winners ! To avoid the treacherous fate of the
Williams outfit, this superb team need to do a ‘Braun’ next year,
and that’s going to be one hell of a big ask.
And though I say they can’t blame the drivers for this years
poor showing, they must realise they missed one hell of a
chance to snap up Hulkenberg exactly one year ago.
A missed opportunity they may come to regret.
The BBC are saying McLaren are after Alonso!
Hi David, I think the true is that Mclaren is looking for anyother experienced driver to replace Perez in case he doesn’t start delivering ASAP. Webber may be a choice, Kobayashi or Pedro de la rosa. But I think will be plan B in case Perez can not be consistent and if he improves during remaining races… probably a just in case replacement driver for next 2014 season. Only time will tell us the true.