Button considering other options

SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS: Veteran driver Jenson Button is still considering his options for next season and is open to a move away from Formula One if the right challenge

SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS: Veteran driver Jenson Button is still considering his options for next season and is open to a move away from Formula One if the right challenge comes along.

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The 2009 F1 champion is in the final year of his contract with McLaren and a decision is expected by the end of September.

McLaren also must decide whether to stick with Button alongside Fernando Alonso for next year, or replace Button with Belgian driver Stoffel Vandoorne.

“I do have a few options in Formula One, which is great for me to still feel wanted,” the 36-year-old Button said at the Spa. “But whether I am here or not, we will see in the next few weeks. My aim has always been to be able to win races in F1, and if this is not possible for me I will go and do something else.”

Button, who has won 15 GP races, is not saying what the other options are. Former F1 driver Mark Webber, for example, has made a successful transition to the World Endurance Championship.

But Button hinted his future may even be outside of racing.

“I will do something where I can compete,” he said. “Whether it is racing or something else we will see. Probably I will surprise myself with my decision.”

Button certainly surprised himself with his performance in qualifying for Sunday’s Belgian GP, placing ninth.