The departures of Rubens Barrichello and Jarno Trulli from the grid over the winter mean the 32-year-old is now the second most experienced driver in the field after Michael Schumacher, although only the sixth oldest, having racked up over 200 grands prix starts since his debut for Williams as a 20 year old.

The McLaren driver, winner of the first grand prix of the new season, admits the fact he has a race-winning car at his disposal helps sustain motivation, although he says that such has been the Woking squad's record over the years that even a less competitive season wouldn't lead him to lose faith in the team and his own career path.

"Driving a good car always helps," he said.

"And when you're able to fight for victories it makes a massive difference, in particular after you've been racing for 12 to 13 years in the sport.

"Because I'm racing for McLaren, it's a team that has achieved so much in its career in Formula 1.

"Even if we have an uncompetitive car, you still believe in the future you will get a competitive car. You don't immediately think 'well, I've had some great times, it is time to leave'. You still feel strongly about building up the team and fighting for a world championship again.

"If we get a bad car over the next couple of years it's not going to make me think 'it's time to give up now'. I'll still have fight in me and I'll want to get back to winning ways."

And he added: "But right now, I can't see a time when I might stop."

Having signed a new multi-year contract to stay at McLaren towards the end of last season, Button says he feels right at home at Woking and certainly wouldn't look elsewhere for at least a few years yet.

"I do feel very good here," he said. "We've a great atmosphere, everyone thinks it's a very cold, very grey team.

"I was expecting that a little bit when I arrived, but at that point I knew they normally build good cars and their history is very exciting.

"But there is a great passion here. People talk about Ferrari and them being very passionate, and they are. But I don't think most people realise how passionate this team is, and how much they want to achieve.

"So I'm very happy here, and you never know what's going to happen in the future. I'm not going to sign my life away, but I'll stay here for the next few years, definitely. I'm going to be here."