McLaren managing director Jonathan Neale has revealed that they are keen for Jenson Button to remain with the team in 2016.
The 35-year-old has been linked with a move to Porsche to race in the World Endurance Championship, while there have also been reports that Button will join the new lineup of Top Gear, alongside lead presenter Chris Evans.
However, Neale has stated that the Woking-based constructor are working to keep Button at McLaren in 2016, although he suggested that the team would "respect" his decision should the 2009 world champion quit the sport.
"I get the sense from the media there was a big anti-climax yesterday and there was a lot of discussion about where Jenson was at," Neale told reporters.
"Jenson is a fantastic guy, a world champion and a big part of the family at Honda and McLaren – he's been with us for six seasons – and we're contracted with him, we want him to stay, we like him very much.
"But if your driver doesn't really want to be in the seat we have to respect that. I really hope that we have done enough between us to continue those discussions with him and have the confidence to have him with us, and that's what we'd like."
Button has also revealed that he is in "good talks" with McLaren over his future.
Chris O'Keefe
