Button not chasing big bucks

With reports that Fernando Alonso is set to join McLaren in the biggest deal in history, Button insists he’s not chasing the big bucks.

Two-time Formula One World Champion Fernando Alonso is reportedly set to sign the biggest deal in the history of Formula One.

The Spanish newspaper AS has stated that Alonso’s estimated salary of £25million will be a binding two-year contract with an option for a third season.

The Spaniard is expected to sign the deal, after having his contract terminated by mutual consent with Ferrari.

The move is believed to have been engineered by Honda, who have been desperate to secure a marquee driver since announcing their return to the sport.

But whilst Alonso’s imminent return to McLaren is widely known, it is not known who his team-mate will be.

It is thought that Kevin Magnussen will partner Alonso at McLaren.

Performance wise, both for now and in years to come the decision between the two drivers is pretty even.

Magnussen has done well in his debut season, he has often outperformed Button on a Saturday, but when it really matters on a Sunday, Button has shown why he is a former world champion himself.

Button leads Magnussen 106 points to 55 in the drivers championship.

However many in the paddock believe that the financial aspect could swing things in Magnussen’s favour.

Magnussen would prove to be the cheaper option and after splashing the cash on Alonso, that could be an option that McLaren prefer.

But 2009 Formula One World Champion Jenson Button insists he isn’t after a big cash deal to remain in Formula One.

‘Whether I’m racing here or somewhere else, I will do it because I love it,? Button said to Sky Sports.

‘Naturally I still want to earn money because I feel I have achieved and I feel I should get paid for what I do in an F1 car or a racing car, and for what I bring to a team. But I’m not a driver that takes the p***, and I will race somewhere even I’m if not getting the big bucks like a few drivers who are out there.

‘You want to feel like you are wanted within a team and part of the family. It’s like if your parents were to turn round and say ‘You know what, we’re not sure if we want you at Christmas this year. But your brother can come, he’s great’. You know what I mean.

‘You want to feel like you are part of the family, and they want you to be part of the family, and that’s more important than cash.’