London - Newly-crowned Formula One world champion Jenson Button could join McLaren-Mercedes for the 2010 season, the Daily Mail reported Friday. Button sealed a first drivers' title last Sunday at the Brazilian Grand Prix but has yet to agree a new deal with his Brawn GP team, leading to speculation that he could be on his way to a rival.
According to the report, McLaren and their title sponsors would welcome Button teaming up with compatriot Lewis Hamilton in an all- British dream team.
Button is believed to be stalling over a new deal because he is looking for an increase in his current 6-million-pounds (9.95 million dollars) annual salary.
McLaren team principal Martin Whitmarsh refused to rule out the possibility of Button making the switch.
"We9ve talked to a number of drivers. It wouldn't be appropriate to say more than that. We'll hire the two best drivers available to us as we always have," he was quoted as saying.
Kimi Raikkonen, who is currently without a drive for 2010 after being replaced at Ferrari by Fernando Alonso, had been expected to join McLaren.
