Button to retire

Jenson Button will step down from Formula 1 racing in 2017 and be replaced by Stoffel Vandoorne, but will stay with McLaren as an ambassador and reserve.

In an announcement chairman Ron Dennis insisted should not be interpreted as 'retirement', McLaren said Button would take a sabbatical next year but continue working with the team.

He has the option to return to racing in 2018 should Fernando Alonso choose to retire or leave at the end of his current deal.

Button's decision gives 2015 GP2 champion and long-time McLaren protege Vandoorne his first full season in F1.