One comeback is enough for Button

MONACO: Formula One may have seen the last of Jenson Button following the 2009 world champion’s Monaco Grand Prix comeback as stand-in for McLaren race regular Fernando Alonso.

The 37-year-old Briton made it abundantly clear at the weekend that while he enjoyed the experience more than expected he had no desire to do any more Formula One races this year.

“It has not whetted the appetite for any more — definitely not,” said Button, who started last and from the pit lane due to penalties and retired from the race after colliding with Pascal Wehrlein’s Sauber.

Button, who was deemed at fault by race stewards and given a three-place grid drop for a next race that may never happen, will have breathed a big sigh of relief to see double world champion Alonso emerge unscathed from a crash-strewn Indianapolis 500.

Had the Spaniard been injured in a race he led for 27 laps before his car’s Honda engine expired in all-too familiar circumstances with 21 of the 200 laps remaining, Button’s services might have been required further.

Asked before the race whether he might return as a stand-in later in the year if required, Button replied: “Who knows, but I don’t plan on it.

“I also know that the team don’t plan on moving their race drivers around.

“So no, it’s definitely not the plan for me to race again this year in Formula One. In other categories, possibly yes.”

Former champions McLaren  have an option on Button for 2018 but he left no doubt that he had not missed the sport he left at the end of last year.