The saga surrounding a replacement for Mark Webber at Red Bull has thrown up more twists and turns than the setting for this weekend's Belgian Grand Prix.
What appeared to be a two-horse race seemingly became simpler this week when Kimi Raikkonen's manager Steve Robertson stated talks had broken down and the Finn "won't be driving for Red Bull in 2014", leaving Toro Rosso's Daniel Ricciardo as the prime candidate.
Raikkonen did not show at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit yesterday, with his Lotus team claiming the Finn to be unwell, although without doubt he would have faced a media grilling had he appeared.
So it was left to Red Bull team principal Christian Horner, himself late arriving at the track, to add several flies to the ointment.
Not only did Horner make clear Raikkonen was not out of the frame, he stirred the pot further by suggesting the reason no decision had been made yet was because "there are more options than you could possibly think".
That would appear to suggest there may yet be something in the gossip surrounding Ferrari's Fernando Alonso, with Jenson Button perhaps in the running.
McLaren and Button have an option on the latter's contract for next year which has yet to be signed, although he maintains he would like to stay with the Woking-based marque.
When asked about his future, Button said: "I think I have a contract for next year, but I don't think it's got a signature on it yet! I really want to be here next year. You might think 'Wow! That's strange' after this season, but this season is good for us in a way and we'll be a much stronger team next year."
Asked about Red Bull, or even Ferrari given Felipe Massa's future is far from secure, Button added: "I think Red Bull is done. The Ferrari seat is a great opportunity for any driver in F1, and hopefully someone that deserves it will get the drive."
When Horner was asked about Button his reply was: "I think he's under contract."
When informed about the option, there was simply a wry smile and no response, while he also evaded a direct question about Alonso.
On Raikkonen, however, Horner clouded the issue given Robertson's remarks on Monday. "I am sure Kimi's management should know what Kimi is doing, but I wouldn't rule anything out at the moment."
Asked whether he was surprised at Robertson's comments, he added: "Kimi is very much his own man. At the end of the day I am sure he will do what is best for him."
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