The news has thrown the future of Button and Brazilian team-mate Rubens Barrichello into doubt, but the Briton believes the team’s state-of-the-art facilities will make the operation attractive to interested parties.

“The team are working their backsides off to produce a great car for 2009 and with the team and the attitude we have, I can’t believe there’s not anyone interested in buying the team and helping us out,” Button said at last night’s Autosport Awards.

“What they’ll get is a great team with excellent facilities. And with the leadership of [team principal] Ross Brawn, and the whole team as they are, we can come through this and be on the grid in 2009.”

Button, who has been linked with possible moves to Toro Rosso or Williams for next season, revealed that the mood in the ranks remained positive when he visited the factory last week.

“It was a big shock for me on Thursday, but on Friday I headed up to the factory to see what was going on, not in a very positive mood,” he said.

“But after spending half an hour with the whole crew, in every department of the factory, I realised that we can’t change what’s happened – it’s very disappointing for all of us.

“The only thing we can do is to stay positive, and that’s what we are doing.”