Button scoffs at Dennis' claim that 2016 deal is done

There were plenty of shattered pieces to pick up after McLaren-Honda's struggling partnership continued to fall apart in Japan.

Even Mercedes' Niki Lauda was drawn into the saga, having suggested that his old team boss Ron Dennis should end the uncertainty about Jenson Button's future by simply coughing up the agreed money.

Lauda was publicly rebuked on the grid by Dennis on Sunday, "I just wanted to help "to keep Jenson in formula one as the last gentleman in this sport."Dennis, reportedly sick in bed with a virus on Saturday, also tried to repair the damage on Sunday by saying he always intended to keep Button on the team for 2016.

But when told about Dennis' confirmation, Button was unimpressed, "That's his choice, but I'm not going to comment on something that I don't know the future of.

"It's a private matter that shouldn't be publicised," Button added. "It's not the right time to say anything because nothing is done."

Dennis had said the matter of Button's contract was "simple", but Button insisted: "There's been a lot going on. It's not been straightforward."