Button: I'll definitely be racing next year, even if it's not in F1

It looks as though Button could be saying goodbye to F1. Credit: PA

Jenson Button is feeling "really comfortable" over his future no matter which way the dice may fall at McLaren.

A decision from the team as to whether Button or Kevin Magnussen will partner the returning Fernando Alonso next year is likely to be announced on Friday, following a board meeting on Thursday involving Group CEO Ron Dennis.

It is understood Magnussen will get the nod, with Button switching to sportscars and a crack at the World Endurance Championship where good friends and two other former Formula One drivers in Mark Webber and Anthony Davidson currently ply their trade.

Such a move would represent a good step for Button, even though he would love an additional year at McLaren working alongside Alonso.

Speaking to Press Association Sport at a Johnnie Walker 'responsible drinking' event in Edinburgh, 15-season F1 veteran Button said: "It's a weird time.

"It's the end of the season, we haven't got a race for many months, and I have had time to reflect on many things.

"The great thing is I've had my family and my mates round, so there have been a lot of people to talk to about it, to discuss.

"It's been an important week, but a really good week. I'm now really comfortable, and whatever happens I will have a great year next year.

Magnussen is set to get the nod over Button. Credit: PA

"New challenges are exciting, whether it's in Formula One with McLaren alongside an exciting team-mate, or whether it's elsewhere.

"So I'm good, but I just want to get it done. I want to hear the decision - as we all do - so we can all move on in whatever direction."

Button feels it a pity McLaren could not keep faith with himself and Magnussen given the rapport he has developed with the young Dane.

"It's such a shame we won't be working together in the future in terms of being team-mates.

"But we're both very grown up about the situation and we'll both deal with it whichever way it goes."

"There are options, but nothing set in stone yet," added Button.

"What I can say is I'll definitely be racing next year, and in a series I'll be very excited to race in, so there's no worry of me not racing next year.

"If it's a new challenge it will be exciting, if it's in Formula One it will be very exciting as well because that will be a new challenge with Honda."