Although he has not yet spoken to his current - and if they have it their way, future - employers, he has found time to talk to BBC Radio Five Live.

The 24-year-old spoke, for the first time, about the issue that has rocked the sport.

"I'm going to be driving for BMW Williams," he said. "I can't give any information away. I'm not a legal expert, but based on the information I have I am able to drive a BMW Williams car next year.

"Formula 1 is not just about this season," he continued. "I need to look into the future and to me the resources at BMW and Williams are fantastic and they are a team that will be challenging for the world championship next year. That is really what I want and what I need.

"The resources at BMW and Williams are far greater than most teams on the grid. It's the team that brought me into F1 and I know how they work. Also having Mark as team-mate there will make us a very strong team."

The shock news will have seriously dented Button's public image, with many 'people on the street' of the opinion that he has effectively kicked BAR in the teeth, and gone for the money. The Englishman disputes this.

"My commitment was there for the last two years," he said. "That was my contract and I have fulfilled that. They have been a great team. A really good team to work with and I have enjoyed every moment with them, good and bad. It's been very exciting and obviously for the rest of the year I am still going to fulfil my contract."

That of course presumes that BAR allow him to sit in a car for the remainder of this season.

Looking ahead to 2005, he said: "The atmosphere is going to be a bit different from the start of the season obviously, but these things do happen. This is an opening that we can use to move to BMW Williams, and I think that team will be the team to be with in the future. Obviously as I said, BAR have done a great job and I've enjoyed working with them."