Fernando Alonso pays tribute to Jenson Button

Spanish driver Fernando Alonso has expressed his admiration for his teammate, British driver Jenson Button, who will not leave the team but will no longer be a regular McLaren-Honda driver next season. Alonso wishes him "the best for all the exciting projects they have in mind for the next step of his career".

Jenson Button was the world champion in 2009 and from 2017 he will give up his seat to last season's GP2 champion, Belgian driver Stoffel Vandoorne, to become a test driver.

"For McLaren-Honda, this race marks the end of an important year for the team and it will be the last time I roll with my teammate Jenson. It has been a pleasure to work with him and I will miss him in the garage, but he will continue to be an important part of McLaren-Honda's plans", stated Alonso.

The Formula One season faces its final race of the year in Abu Dhabi, a race that the Spanish driver "enjoys every year" not only because it is the "end of the season, but because there is a unique atmosphere - a combination of that end-of-year feeling, the anticipation before winter development, and the excitement of fans before the last race of 2016".

The two-time world champion, in 2005 and 2006, is fascinated by the track because "it's an incredible race from inside the car, as you see the sun setting on each lap".

"It's an interesting track in terms of setup, because despite being in the desert, the track temperature drops a lot during the race as the sun sets. Because of this, tire conditions and grip levels are constantly evolving until the end. It's a unique place and a great stage to end the season, and I hope we can finish the campaign on a high note", declared the Spanish driver.