Jenson Button's race at Silverstone was over in less than 60 seconds.

But when asked if the comments from Dennis were an indicator that he would be in Formula One next year, Button said: “It is not a given, no – there are always options everywhere.”

It is understood that while Button, 35, signed a two-year contract at the end of last season, the second year relies on McLaren taking up an option on the 2009 world champion.

Kevin Magnussen, McLaren’s reserve driver who was dropped at the end of last season, and the highly-rated Stoffel Vandoorne, are both under consideration for his seat in 2016.

“We are not thinking about next year,” Button, who is in the midst of his worst season in Formula One, added.

“We are thinking about trying to improve the car this year. We have got a lot of work on our hands, and it is going to be a tough year but we are giving it our all.”

Should Button be retained by McLaren for next season, he will embark on an an unprecedented 21-race calendar after the provisional schedule for 2016 – with the inaugural Baku race in Azerbaijan included – was released last week.

“I think for the drivers it is fine because we love racing,” said Button, who was speaking as an ambassador of Santander Cycles.

“For the mechanics and the team it is a very long season and it is tougher for them. They are putting in such long hours that they never get home and never see their family, so for them it is tricky.

“I think we have to be careful of the length of the calendar for that reason more than anything else.”

:: Jenson Button was speaking at the Jenson Button Trust Triathlon in Derby. Button is an ambassador for Santander Cycles. For more information visit: Santander.co.uk/cycles