Williams: Would've been great to have Button in our team

In 2000 Williams took a big gamble by signing Jenson Button to their team and handing him his grand prix debut that year, 16 years later the Englishman rebuffed the team by signing up for an ambassadorial role with McLaren, the team which is ousting him to make way for Stoffel Vandoorne.

Despite latest developments, Williams deputy team principal Claire Williams admits she is disappointed that Button chose not to return to the Grove outfit for 2017.

Williams told Sky, "Everyone knows that we were quite interested in Jenson. Why wouldn't you be? He's a great talent and would be a great driver for anyone to have in their team."

"Saturday's announcement is a real shame for the sport and comes off the back of Felipe [announcing his retirement]. We're losing two great drivers from the sport. Legends."

"I would have loved to have Jenson in this team, but unfortunately it didn't work out.

"I wish him all the best. I would have loved to have seen him in Williams... a British driver in a British team has been a dream of mine – you never know, one day [it could happen]," concluded Williams.