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Fernando Alonso looks to stay upbeat amid McLaren’s F1 toils

It’s not just razor sharp reactions, engineering excellence and singular focus that are behind the achievements of 2009 F1® World Champion and McLaren Honda driver Jenson Button. “We’re all focusing on improving”, Button said.

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He explains that it’s a “healthy” choice, and that’s important especially for a racer at the top of his game. “It’s a team I’ve spent so many years with, gone through some great times and bad times as well”, added the Briton.

In the end, he pushed his body to the limit all for one solitary championship point.

It’s worth pointing out as well that Haas hope to announce their drivers before the end of the summer, and Magnussen indicated that he won’t be with the team in Singapore, perhaps because his immediate future lies elsewhere.

Button has not publicly stated whether he wants to stay in F1 or not, but it is understood that he has reassured the team of his desire to continue. “I think things will change a lot for next year”. I’ve had some very good years with them.

McLaren have the option to extend the British driver’s contract but are reportedly undecided on whether to retain the 35-year-old for 2016.

Magnussen raced for McLaren last season alongside Jenson Button and was drafted in for the 2015 season-opener when Spain’s double world champion Fernando Alonso was ruled out with concussion from a crash in testing.

A sticking point in negotiations is likely to surround Button’s salary, which is due to increase from £8 million to £12 million a year. For example, I know David moved back from LA to the United Kingdombecause the education is so much better. However, if Formula 1 stopped tomorrow I’d be happy with what I’ve achieved in my career. “That’s the way you’ve got to look at it. There are so many opportunities in the future for me that are exciting”.

The situation has been made worse this year by an El Nino weather system, which produces tinder-dry conditions and increases the risk of fires.

Despite this, Alonso says the result marks a big stride forward for McLaren compared with just two weeks ago, while he is pleased to be coming into a race with no grid penalties to take.

“It will be whether I think it’s the right thing to do”. Now could have been are 11th, maybe 0.1s from Bottas, so it’s the best weekend for us of the year so far and we are enjoying always being in the mix.

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Thriving in the dark? Jenson Button chats to reporters in the paddock as he previews the Singapore Grand Prix