Formula One McLaren fit new Honda engines, escape penalty

The experienced Felipe Massa has impressed at Williams and seems likely to remain for next season – but sources from the team are quoted by BBC Sport as viewing Jenson Button as the leading candidate to join him should Bottas move. Should he do so, Button has been linked as a possible replacement.

“I think it is just a combination of circuit characteristics that are probably slightly better for our auto and obviously the vehicle keeps improving – every weekend it is getting better and better”, he reiterated.

All the reports also carried the message that the popular, talented and savvy Button’s return to Williams would help the independent British team in its crucial sponsorship talks.

The story claimed Ferrari had struck a deal with Williams – thought to be in the region of £8 milllion (Dh45.6m) – to release Bottas from his contract.

Button, the 2009 world champion, would see his career completing a full circle if he rejoins Williams in 2016.

With just four points to his name in nine races in 2015, Button has not ruled out returning to his former garage – which could have an opening if Valtteri Bottas gets poached by Ferrari.

“We will tell you when there is something to tell about – I don’t know where the rumours have come from”.

“But also to see the improvements that are made through team effort and your opinion and feeling of the vehicle and engine is also great”.

“The news firmly put things into perspective but we head to Hungary keen to shake off the poor luck we’ve encountered in recent races”, said McLaren’s racing director Eric Boullier, whose Woking-based outfit left Silverstone earlier this month with a rare measure of satisfaction after Fernando Alonso recorded his first point in what has been a cruelly disappointing campaign for driver and team alike. “It’s working very well that relationship”.