McLaren look to keep Button, Perez

Drivers express desire to secure their seats for 2014 Formula One season.

McLaren are hoping to extend contracts for drivers Jenson Button and Sergio Perez, with an announcement expected soon, according to ESPNF1.

Button had been presented with the choice of staying with the team for next year and beyond, but in Belgium he stated that the deal had not been signed yet.

However, both the team and the drivers are keen on progressing together and an official statement from them is expected in the near future.

“Let’s just say both drivers have done a good job here and deserve a better McLaren next year and that’s what we aim to give them,” said team principal Martin Whitmarsh.

Meanwhile Button, who joined McLaren in 2009 told The Daily Mail: “It’s obviously not going our way at the moment, but it will, and I’m very happy here, I feel good here, and I still feel we can achieve so much together.

“I’ll be here for my future in Formula One.”

Perez has also conveyed his wish to stay with the team.

“I am determined to stay in this team, I absolutely love this team,” said Perez. “I know that this team can deliver, because I know the people and I know how hungry we are to win. I will stay here for that and be a champion for McLaren.

“There are options on the contract [for next year] but I’m pretty sure I will stay here.”

Meanwhile, Ferrari driver Felipe Massa believes he has the race pace to stay with Ferrari next year, adding that he just needed to translate that into results.

When asked in Belgium if the team had dropped any hints of keeping him he said: “I just need to concentrate on the next race and concentrate on getting the results for now.”

Published in The Express Tribune, August 28^th, 2013.

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