Jenson Button has revealed he may still return to Formula 1 full-time in 2018, as the 2009 world champion prepares for an appearance in the upcoming Monaco Grand Prix.
The Briton will replace Fernando Alonso at McLaren, as the Spaniard takes on the Indy 500, participating in a race he won eight years ago for Brawn GP.
Looking ahead to the event on the streets of the Principality, he told the Daily Mail: “I am thinking of Monaco as my only race this year.
“Obviously if I am asked again at another point in the year I am here to fill that seat. But I am not going to go out of my way to ask to drive because the whole idea was not to.”
In fact, Button admits he had to decline numerous offers to race, as he enjoys what could only be a year away from the F1 circus he first joined back in 2000.
“I had so many options to race this year it is hilarious. That even went into this year with two different teams asking me to race. I have no interest in doing that.”
As for a potential comeback next year, however, the 37-year-old said: “I can’t rule it out.
“I have a contract with the team to race next year so I would definitely not rule anything out.”
Much will depend on what Alonso decides to do for 2018, with the Spaniard claiming he would be open to talks with other teams if McLaren’s ongoing problems with Honda continue.