It is understood that Britain's Jenson Button could announce his retirement from Formula 1 as early as this week.

The McLaren driver has so far had a disappointing campaign in a struggling car. He has finished in the points just twice this season, in Monaco and Hungary, to earn just six points overall.

The 2009 world champion is into his 16th season in F1.

An official announcement on his future could be made at this week's Japanese Grand Prix.

The driver has also been linked with a role in the revamped Top Gear.