Button expected to announce retirement

British driver Jenson Button, the 2009 Formula One World Champion is expected to announce his retirement this weekend.

The 35-year-old who is married to Japanese model Jessica Michibata sees Japan as a second home and could well see it as the perfect place to make such an announcement.

The way of the land around the McLaren team and the lack of competitiveness from engine partner Honda are likely to be the contributing factors behind the decision for Button.

Speaking at the Singapore Grand Prix, Button said to Sky Sports: ‘I’ve been racing for so many years in Formula 1 and you get emotional about the question because even if it is your decision or the team’s decision to race in F1 next year you still get emotional because it has been your life for so long.

‘I always wanted to end my career on a high, but I also wanted it to be my decision when I retired. So it is a real tricky one.