Jenson Button acknowledges he has been placed in an "uncomfortable situation" by McLaren as the team have still to confirm if they will retain the Englishman beyond this season.
Ron Dennis, the team principal, had said two months ago that he would make his intentions known but has not informed Button about his future.
Button and team-mate Kevin Magnussen have instead been told ahead of this weekend's year-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix that they are to be kept in limbo until December 1 at the earliest. One of the drivers will partner Fernando Alonso in 2015.
Via a statement, and clearly in Dennis' words, the team claimed: "the optimal driver line-up . . . is clearly an important process and it is therefore one that requires precise and prolonged analysis."
Just how long it requires Dennis to decide between the experience of a world champion and a driver at the end of his first year, but whom McLaren rate very highly, has been a hot topic on social media. Certainly there was the feeling Button, in particular, has been treated poorly given his standing in the sport.
There is also a train of thought that as Button apparently has other options, Dennis is delaying matters to force the driver to move on of his own volition for the exit door, leaving McLaren with an simple choice.
"It's been an interesting few months," said Button of the furore over his future at McLaren. "This is the best sport in the world, this is your life, this is everything. But when you are put in an uncomfortable situation your eyes are opened to other possibilities.
"But will I wait for the decision? That's something I can't comment on right now."
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