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[andrew]

Word is that Button is on the verge of a new 3 year deal with McLaren.

[What's Burning?]

I'll believe it when EJ reports it.

[CookinFlat6]

The word is only from Button. The word is Button 'not denying rumours of a 3 years contract'

rumours possibly put out by his agent.

The deadline for McLaren to trigger their option (to renew existing contract) has now passed I believe. No announcement at McLarens 50th. Therefore it will have to be a brand new contract, therefore a 3 year contract is a logical speculation from the media,

Yup until EJ says so they are keeping their options open

[Jabberwocky]

If you where an F1 driver at the moment would you want a Mclaren seat? Are they a spent force like Williams, or will they come back from the ashes like Ferrari?

Personally is still think the team is still in a state of flux post Ron leaving (Ron built the team around him)

How fast will they recover

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[CookinFlat6]

The only possible trump card is Honda. Apart from that there is a general pattern similar to Williams as it made a transition from challenger to 'independent with a business to run'

Definitely Ron leaving has hurt, however diversification, whislt good for survivability and independence can lead to dilution of 'spirit' resources and focus

It has been a cliche almost that over theyears, when Ferraris road car divsion are doing well the team suffer and vice versa

Then there is this type of rumour, found on twitter

joseluisf1: Mas rumores: McLaren podría estar reduciendo algo recursos en F1 para dedicarlos a otras areas con el fin de asegurar el futuro del grupo

"More rumors: McLaren could be reducing some resources in F1 to devote them to other areas in order to ensure the future of the Group"

Thing is the pattern is down to finances full stop. In any industry if you replace very good staff(expensive) and its not like for like then you will see the effects.

Would a top driver go to McLaren now? all about how much they pay (which ofcourse is related to how good the engineers are leading finally to chances of giving the driver a winning car)

But its all about 'show me the money' history counts for less

[1Lemon]

Whilst I think Button deserves a place in F1, I don't think he is the man to pull McLaren back up to the top, that and their lack of direct leadership and design by committee mantra are what's causing them the issues.

[CookinFlat6]

Button has trashed the team. If Mclaren had taken Kimi in 2010 instead I reckon they would have won titles. The car development direction may have been more straightforward

[Jabberwocky]

Whilst I think Button deserves a place in F1, I don't think he is the man to pull McLaren back up to the top, that and their lack of direct leadership and design by committee mantra are what's causing them the issues.

How important is Button to Honda is another question that should be asked.

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[bud]

Given Buttons last Honda experience, maybe they will want him out!

[Jabberwocky]

I thought because of his girl friend and his pre f1 days that Honda loved him

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[CookinFlat6]

Japan has moved on a lot since the last Honda period. I reckon there are a new generation who have seen a lot of westerners on tv.
I doubt that they are as simple as to be fobbed off with an ageing star when there is a new generation

[Jabberwocky]

Lets not forget the funded Super Aguri so that Sato could carry on racing

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[CookinFlat6]

It seems that Button is now changing his tune since trying to force the teams hand at Spa by announcing he had no contract signed. Now he is eager to stay, thinks he can win the WDC in 2014 but also wants to be there for 2015. Has Button finally gone too far with his media manipulation?

"I am loyal. In the past sometimes I haven't been. I think if you are with a smaller team that you can't see a future with, it's the right thing to always look for something better. But when you are with a team like this with the future that this team has, this is a very exciting opportunity for any driver."

Will the new sponsor for 2014 want to keep Button, or are McLaren still hooking a sponsor who might have a driver in mind and so they need to keep flexible

Could Honda want a Japanese driver? If so, surely 2014 would be the better time for him to join the team ahead of 2015. If Honda wanted Button, surely it would be for more than a year, and so McLaren should be securing a long contract now

[Hammer278]

Maybe Button can start advertizing the fact that his girlfriend is half Japanese and would be willing to help sell Hondas while sporting a bikini.

[What's Burning?]

I notice McLaren running with a Verizon 4G LTE logo on its side. There's no point whatsoever for Verizon to advertise anywhere but the US, so I'm wondering if Vodaphone's recent agreement to sell its 45% ownership in Verizon has everything to do with the change.

Edit: good thing I'm getting new glasses soon. Just realized it says 4G Vodaphone.