If I am needed by Mclaren I will be there, says Jenson Button

It was announced on Saturday that the 2009 world champion had signed a two-year contract with McLaren, but he would step down as one of the team's lead drivers next year.

Instead Button will serve in a support role alongside Fernando Alonso and Stoffel Vandoorne, while also taking up an ambassadorial position within the British team.

However, the 36-year-old says he will be on call should team bosses need him to get back behind the wheel next year.

"I've signed a two-year contract with the team, next year I won't be driving the car, I won't be racing the car," he told the official F1 website ahead of Sunday's Italian Grand Prix.

"I will be living by my schedule, not Bernie's [Ecclestone] schedule, which I haven't done as long as I've been an adult.

"I've been a Formula One driver since I was 19 years old, so this is something I really need for myself, I need to feel refreshed.

"But the important part is I will be part of this team, I will be an ambassador for this team, I will be coming to quite a few races, I'll be spending time at the factory, I'll be driving the simulator.

"I'll be fit so if I'm needed I'll be there."