Vandoorne to replace Button at McLaren in 2017

McLaren-Honda announced in the Monza paddock the start of Stoffel Vandoorne alongside Fernando Alonso in 2017. Jenson Button was on hand to confirm that he will be taking a year off but will continue to work within the Woking brand as an ambassador and advisor and will take up the role of development driver. The Briton does not yet plan to retire, unlike Felipe Massa.

This tenure has been long awaited for the Belgian who plays in Super Formula after winning the GP2 Series title last year. The 2012 Eurocup Formula champion Renault 2.0 debuted in F1 this year by replacing Fernando Alonso at the Bahrain Grand Prix last April. The future holder made his mark by taking tenth place while the performance of the MP4-31 could still be improved.

Jenson Button has not confirmed he will retire as he has an option to return in 2018, but the 36-year-old Briton will have missed a year of competition with the new regulations in place next year.