Button eyeing other racing opportunities

Jenson Button has admitted that he is not planning a return to Formula 1 but says he is interested in lining up a couple of other opportunities. The Brit made his return to the paddock in Monaco, filling in for Fernando Alonso. The 2009 world champion ultimately retired from the race due to contact with Pascal Wehrlein.

When asked if he'd be open to racing if an opportunity came up, he said: "Who knows, but I don't plan on it," Button said. "I also know that the team don't plan on moving the race drivers around so no, it's definitely not the plan for me to race again this year in Formula 1. 

"In other categories possibly, yes, but not in Formula 1. I've got my own things that I'm enjoying away from the sport at the moment and I need to be fully focused on them if I want to achieve what I want to achieve."

Button has been rumoured to be getting into rallycross, much like his father did. However, he also spoke about the potential of entering a race in NASCAR, America's leading stock car series and competing in the 24 Hours of Le Mans - one of the most prestigious races in the world.

"Indy's not really been something that I've thought about," Button said. "Personally, I was surprised that Fernando was interested in doing it but we all like different things. We're racing drivers, we're not just F1 drivers and we like trying other sports.  For me, I'd like to do Le Mans one day, I think it would be a great experience, great team atmosphere. Obviously, it has to be the right opportunity, like Nico [Hulkenberg] had. 

"I would like to race in NASCAR, I think that'd be fun. I went along to one of the races this year, Jimmie Johnson invited me and I had a great time and loved seeing 'the show' as it is. It's very different to other motorsports but equally, it's a challenge. It's a massive challenge. Who knows?  And then there are the other motorsports that I love like rallycross as well. There are many things – but Indy hasn't been up there for me, for many different reasons."

Fergal Walsh