Jenson Button, Ron Dennis, Stoffel Vandoorne on McLaren's 2017 plans

Jenson Button has revealed he will not be racing for McLaren in 2017, but will remain with the team in an ambassadorial role and has an option to return

Jenson Button explains to Sky Sports F1 why he has decided not to race in the sport in 2017 but kept the door open for a potential return in 2018.

Ted Kravitz spoke to the former world champion immediately after McLaren made the announcement that Stoffel Vandoorne would join Fernando Alonso in their driver line-up next season, with Button taking on an ambassadorial and development role.

"That's a terrible word and I'm definitely not doing that!" Button replied when asked to clarify that he definitely wasn't retiring.

Ted also caught up with McLaren chairman Ron Dennis and Vandoorne, as the Belgian's big full-time F1 break was finally realised, along Button's current team-mate Alonso.

McLaren boss Ron Dennis reiterated that Jenson Button has not retired from F1 following his sabbatical announcement and said he needed a mental break from

Watch the four videos above and below to get the full picture on what Button and McLaren's decisions mean for 2017 - and, potentially, 2018

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After Jenson Button revealed he was taking a sabbatical from F1, McLaren confirmed Stoffel Vandoorne would take his seat for the 2017 season
McLaren's Fernando Alonso has praised teammate Jenson Button following the Brit's announcement he will not be racing for the team in 2017.
McLaren's Fernando Alonso has praised teammate Jenson Button following the Brit's announcement he will not be racing for the team in 2017.

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