McLaren driver Jenson Button has said that he will retire from Formula One after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Sunday, BBC reported. The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will be his 305th Formula One race, with only Rubens Barrichello and Michael Schumacher having driven in more. Button made his F1 debut in 2000. He has won 15 races, having driven for Williams, Benetton, BAR, Honda, Brawn and McLaren.
“I go into this weekend thinking it’s going to be my last race. I think that’s the best way,” the 2009 world champion said. “At this moment in time, I don’t want to be racing in F1 beyond this year,” said Button, who has a holding contract with McLaren till 2018. “It is true that I have a contract in 2018, but at this moment in time I am not going to be racing in 2018,” Button added. “But I don’t want to go into this race thinking it’s not my last race and it is.”
Belgian Stoffel Vandoorne will reportedly replace Button at McLaren next year.