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Button Sabbatical

jcSeptember 3, 2016

Two days after Felipe Massa announced his retirement, McLaren's Jenson Button says that after this season he's going on sabbatical for a year. But the 2009 driver's champion isn't ruling out a comeback.

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Jenson Button Qualifikation F1 Grand Prix von Indien
Image: Reuters

Button made his announcement of Saturday.

"There are many things I want to do that I haven't been able to do because of the F1 schedule," the McLaren driver said. "When you drive in F1, it is your life, and I definitely need a break from that in 2017."

Button added that he would remain affiliated with McLaren and would step in next season as a replacement driver if needed. He also said the team had an option to have him race in 2018.

Button has earned only 17 points and no wins in the 2016 Formula 1 season.

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Massa driving for Williams

Felipe Massa announces retirement from Formula One

Felipe Massa announces retirement from Formula One

For fifteen years Felipe Massa has been a Formula One fixture, but he'll be leaving the sport at the end of the season. The Brazilian competed for three teams and was once runner-up in the drivers' championship. (01.09.2016)
September 1, 2016