Jenson Button to retire from F1

Jenson Button has announced that he expects this Sunday's season-ending Abu Dhabi grand prix will be his last in the sport.

The 2009 world champion had been due to take a sabbatical next season and his team McLaren held an option on the driver for the 2018 season.

However, after 305 grand prix starts - third behind Rubens Barrichello and Michael Schumacher in the all-time list - the British driver looks like Sunday's will be his last.

"I go into this weekend thinking it's going to be my last race," he said. "I think that's the best way.

"At this moment in time, I don't want to be racing in F1 beyond this year.

"It is true that I have a contract in 2018 but at this moment in time I am not going to be racing in 2018," Button added.

"The whole point of this [contract for 2018] was if in three months' time I had eaten myself stupid and I changed my mind.

"But I don't want to go into this race thinking it's not my last race and it is.

"It's been a long journey since eight years old until now.

"You get to Formula 1 with many dreams and hopefully you leave the sport with memories - some amazing memories, some life-changing, some good, some bad. And also to walk away with the world championship is very special too.

"Over 300 grands prix and I will definitely step away from F1 happy with what I've achieved and definitely my life starts now."

Having made his debut in 2000 and having driven for Williams, Benetton, Renault, BAR, Honda, Brawn and McLaren, the 36-year-old will leave with 15 victories to his name, capped by winning the drivers' title in 2009 with Brawn.

Button is due to be McLaren's reserve driver for 2017 and would race if either Fernando Alonso or his replacement Stoffel Vandoorne are unable to for any reason.

He will do promotional work for the team and some work in the simulator while he is also contracted to attend a minimum of four grands prix for the season.

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