Claire Williams disappointed to miss out on Jenson Button

Claire Williams has expressed her disappointment in being unable to lure Jenson Button back to Williams.

The 2009 world champion, who made his Formula One bow with the British team in 2000, announced that he would be taking time out next year, despite signing a two-year contract extension with current team McLaren.

Now Williams, deputy team principal of the team that bears her family's name has said that she had hoped to sign Button for 2017.

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

"The announcement is a real shame for the sport and comes off the back of Felipe [Massa]. We’re losing two great drivers from the sport, legends," she added, alluding to the departure of Felipe Massa who recently announced his retirement from Formula One after being deemed surplus to requirements at Williams.

"I would have loved to have Jenson in this team, but unfortunately it didn’t work out. I wish him all the best," she said. "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."