2023 Mclaren Artura on 2040-cars

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What next for Jenson Button?

With the departure of Mark Webber from the Formula One grid, Jenson Button now ranks as one of the oldest drivers in the series. Turning 34 this month, he's mere months younger than Kimi Raikkonen, but has spent more seasons racing in F1 than the elder Finn. As such, Button is nearing the end of his viable time in the sport – but just when will he retire, and what will he do next? With a season-by-season contract, Button's future is anything but certain. McLaren could opt to re-sign him at the end of the 2014 season or not. Having driven for Honda for several seasons, the Japanese manufacturer that's set to power McLaren from 2015 onwards is said to favor keeping Button on board, but nothing's certain at this point. If and when McLaren shows him the door, Button's likely to try and find a seat with another team – championship contender or otherwise. But Autosport reports that Jenson isn't likely to follow his longtime rival Webber to Le Mans. Even behind the wheel of a front-running LMP1, the prospect of racing on a track with slower vehicles doesn't entice the 2009 World Champion to switch disciplines. Button is keen to keep racing for as long as he can. The only questions are how many good F1 seasons he has left in him – he dropped form second in the 2011 standings to fifth in 2012 and ninth in 2013 – and where he would go after that. News Source: AutosportImage Credit: McLaren Hirings/Firings/Layoffs Motorsports McLaren F1

New Zealand's Taupo circuit renamed after Bruce McLaren

New Zealand's most prominent racing circuit is being renamed after one of the country's most prominent racing drivers and constructors. That, of course, would be one Bruce McLaren, founder of the racing team and supercar manufacturer that bears his name, and an accomplished driver in his own right. Previously known as Taupo Motorsport Park (after the town where it's located), the Bruce McLaren Motorsport Park is the only circuit in New Zealand certified to FIA Grade 2. The complex started out as a shorter track of 0.87 miles, and was overhauled in 2006 to its current layout at the cost of over $8 million. It hosted A1GP races in 2007-09, and still brings in various touring car, GT, drifting, and superbike events. Current F1 driver and reigning Le Mans winner Nico Hulkenberg set the lap record around the circuit's 2.17 miles and 14 turns at 1:14.072 on his way to the checkered flag in 2007 A1GP race there and the championship title that season. The renaming of the circuit was undertaken with the blessing of Bruce's widow Patricia and daughter Amanda. Their late husband and father won four Formula One grands prix, the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1968, and two Can-Am championships. And those are just his own personal achievements as a racing driver. The cars that bear his name have won 182 grands prix, eight F1 constructors' championships, and twelve drivers' championships, plus five consecutive Can-Am titles, three Indianapolis 500 victories, a Le Mans win in 1995, and a smattering of other accolades. Bruce McLaren sadly perished at the age of 32 in a Can-Am crash at Goodwood in 1970, but as you can plainly see, his name lives on as a veritable racing legend.

Witness the only Fux Fuchsia McLaren 720S in existence

Need proof that McLaren is willing to build literally anything a customer could possibly want, regardless of how outlandish it may seem? Witness this 720S, which was just delivered to noted McLaren enthusiast Michael Fux on the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance Concept Lawn. As you can see, it's pink. Or purple. Somewhere in between, really. Actually, it's Fux Fuchsia, a color originally created by Rolls-Royce for Mr. Fux and held back as an exclusive shade by McLaren Special Operations for future vehicles. And, considering the car collector already owns three McLaren models, we're thinking this won't be the last of Fux Fuchsia you'll see on one of these British supercars. Besides the retina-searing shade of exterior paint, the inside door appliques, a pinstripe on the steering wheel, and the rear-view mirror are all finished in Fux Fuchsia. The rest of the interior is done up in white leather with white stitching. The floormats are also white, but finished in Alcantara. Want a custom McLaren of your own? Jolyon Nash, McLaren Automotive Executive Director, Global Sales and Marketing, commented, "MSO provides McLaren owners with virtually limitless possibilities to tailor a car exactly to their needs and tastes. ... Beyond this there are opportunities all the way up to complete vehicles designed to individual specification." All you need, we imagine, is a suitably large bank account. Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.