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Veteran F1 driver Jenson Button's future uncertain after difficult season with McLaren

Associated Press
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McLaren Mercedes driver Jenson Button of Britain walks in the paddock ahead of the Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix at the Yas Marina racetrack in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Sunday, Nov. 23, 2014. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar) (The Associated Press)

Ferrari driver Fernando Alonso of Spain, left, and McLaren Mercedes driver Jenson Button of Britain share a lighter moment during a news conference at the Yas Marina racetrack in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Thursday, Nov. 20, 2014. With double points on offer in the Formula One finale, there could yet be a bitter twist to the fascinating title duel between Mercedes teammates Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The Emirates Formula One Grand Prix will take place on Sunday. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar) (The Associated Press)

Former champion Jenson Button's future remains uncertain, and his fifth-place finish at Sunday's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix could yet prove to be his final race in a distinguished Formula One career.

Button faces an anxious wait before McLaren announces its driver lineup for 2015 early next month, with two-time F1 champion Fernando Alonso widely touted to replace him after leaving Ferrari.

The 34-year-old British driver won the title with Brawn in 2009 and finished runner-up to Sebastian Vettel in 2011.

Alonso is being tipped to drive alongside 22-year-old Danish driver Kevin Magnussen at McLaren, even though Button outscored Magnussen in points 126-55 this season, with both drivers getting one podium place each.

Magnussen finished the Abu Dhabi GP out of the points in 11th spot.