Button: I took a pay cut to join McLaren
JENSON BUTTON has denied his move to McLaren was motivated by money – insisting he even took a pay cut to make the switch.
The 29-year-old clinched his first world championship with Brawn GP this season, but has signed a three-year deal to join fellow Brit Lewis Hamilton at the Woking-based McLaren outfit.
Brawn were taken over by Mercedes last week but, despite his world championship success, Button was told the terms of his contract would remain the same.
Many questioned the motives behind his move, but Button insisted it was the need for a new challenge, and not financial issues, which prompted him to leave.
“For me, the move is because it’s going to be a huge challenge to go up against Lewis in his environment,” Button said. “My goal since I was eight years old has been to win the world title, and I’ve done that now. Now I feel I need a new challenge.
“I’m earning less than I would have at Brawn. I didn’t move for money and everyone knows it. It’s something new for me. I’ll have to work very hard in the new situation I’ve put myself in, and I intend to do it.
“Of course it’s not going to be easy, but I’m very excited about the challenge. I’ve got to work very hard to achieve what I want to achieve.”
Meanwhile, Ferrari outcast Kimi Raikkonen says he would be willing to consider replacing Button at Mercedes GP next year – but only if the team can guarantee to be competitive.
The Finn was thought to be considering a switch to rallying after his Ferrari contract ended, but his manager Steve Robinson said: “If they can offer, or convince us, that they can provide Kimi an opportunity that Kimi is happy with, and that we are happy with, and he feels he can win races and the championship, then never say never.”