Jenson Button to continue to race for McLaren in 2016

Jenson Button will continue to drive for McLaren-Honda in 2016, the racing giant has confirmed.

Button, 35, had been considering his future in Formula One after a difficult season.

But McLaren said an option to end Button's two-year contract "became an irrevelance" once the former world champion proved he was as "enthusiastic and as committed as ever".

Button, who had been tipped to appear in the new-look Top Gear alongside his friend Chris Evans, admitted he was in "two minds" about whether to quit the sport.

Button tweeted that he was "very pleased" to commit his future to McLaren.

However, in McLaren statement there was no mention of Button's co-driver Fernando Alonso.

The Spaniard had cast doubt on his future in the sport amid fierce criticism of his car's Honda engine at the Japanese Grand Prix at the weekend.

Asked why there was no mention of Alonso, a McLaren spokesperson said: "Today is about Jenson."