Does Button want to continue at the back for another year?

Former McLaren driver John Watson has questioned whether Formula 1 veteran Jenson Button has the will-power to endure another year struggling at the wrong end of the grid with Honda power.

Speaking to Sky Sport ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix weekend Watson said, "What Jenson has to rationalise in his own mind is: do I want to hang on to the bitter end? and maybe end up in a situation where he might be given a very reasonable fee but on a big performance-related bonus.

"He may feel that's something that he doesn't want to do," added Watson clearly referring to the fact that the McLaren-Honda combination is way off the pace and unlikely to catch up between now and the 2016 season.

Watson also believes that McLaren's woeful performances at the back of the F1 field will impact the team's ability to attract much needed sponsorship and interest from potential backers.

"If your car's winning and you're in the public eye, you're on television and you're seen on the podium, that means your rate card can go up. Right now, I would think McLaren's rate card is pretty struggling," surmised Watson.

As for the future of the Woking outfit and their Honda partnership, Watson predicted, "In time it could come right. It's whether it's given the opportunity - and that's speculation on my part. A team like McLaren is a team that needs to win, that needs to be getting podiums and victories it needs to raise its profile."

Meanwhile, during the weekend at Monza, Button was vague when asked about his F1 future, "I think it's always in your hands. Hopefully in the next few weeks we'll decide, either way."

The 2009 F1 world champion, who will be starting his 278th grand prix when he lines up on the grid in Singapore, has not been on the top step of the podium since his victory at the 2012 Brazilian Grand Prix.