Jenson Button is eyeing a competitive seat next season – not necessarily at McLaren – which will enable him to "fight for good results", otherwise he would consider quitting Formula 1.
The Briton's current deal with McLaren comes to an end this year, with Stoffel Vandoorne the likely candidate to take over his seat. However Button is keen to remain in the sport should a competitive seat – be that at McLaren or elsewhere – present itself.
"I want to be in a position where I can be competitive and fight for good results – at least be in the mix – and that’s what will keep me in the sport," Button told F1i.
"My mind is to be competitive next year and to race and enjoy racing," he added. "And to be able to see the front at least! I’d love to do that here and I hope this team is in that situation."
When it was put to him that Mercedes could have an opening next season – with championship leader Nico Rosberg yet to sign a new deal – Button said: "Any human being that likes racing cars would say yes [to Mercedes] – they would do that because it’s the quickest car by a second.
"So any driver whether he’s in love with Ferrari or hates Mercedes cars, he will still drive that car because he has the best chance of being world champion."
The 2009 champion has been linked with a move to Williams next season – a deal which was supposedly agreed for 2015 before he re-signed with McLaren.
