The news of Honda’s withdrawal from Formula One is another heavy blow to Jenson Button, Britain’s “other” racing driver.

He renewed his contract with Honda only in October and must now wait anxiously to see whether the team can be sold in time to take a place on the grid for the 2009 opening grand prix in Australia on March 29. If no buyer is found, he might struggle to find a F1 drive next year at this late stage.