WATCH: Jenson Button's exclusive interview with Sky Sports News HQ

Jenson Button is hopeful that McLaren can be fighting with Ferrari toward the end of the season after engine upgrades for Malaysia.

In an extended interview, Jenson Button speaks exclusively to Sky Sports News HQ's Craig Slater about his 2017 sabbatical, McLaren's form, Stoffel Vandoorne and whether Lewis Hamilton or Nico Rosberg will win the world championship.

With seven races still to go in the 2016 season, Button discusses his hopes that he and McLaren team-mate Fernando Alonso, who have struggled through the last couple of years, will be able to challenge higher up the grid and maybe even compete with Ferrari.

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The 36-year-old will take a year out from racing in F1 next season, but could return to the grid with McLaren in 2018 if a seat is available after agreeing a revised two-year contract with the Woking-based team.

Button will attend some races during the 2017 season and serve as reserve driver to Alonso and the newly-promoted Vandoorne.

Hit play on the video at the top to watch Sky Sports News HQ's exclusive interview with Jenson Button

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