Image source, F1

If there was ever a moment that captured the woes at McLaren recently, it was when Jenson and team-mate Fernando Alonso snuck on to the podium at last year's Brazil GP amid a weekend disturbed by technical issues.

"We thought we would jump on the podium - it’s been a while for both of us," he said. "It was a lot of fun - the most I’ve had all weekend."

The banter from those two. Relentless.

Janine Suzanne: Absolutely gutted by this news thought he'd go onto @WilliamsRacing and become another F1 Champ!

Nick Hughes: Correct decision to promote Vandoorne. Can only imagine Jenson's role will be similar to #Schumacher's was with Ferrari after '06

Becky Kingstone: Gutted that @JensonButton won't be driving in 2017. Was so hoping McLaren could develop car & see him back to winning ways

Image source, Rex Features

Jenson Button has not always possessed that annoyingly well-structured handsomeness and fluffy, bouncy locks.

I bet his hair smells of fresh coconuts...

Anyway, where was I?

Yes. He was an awkward looking 20-year-old just like I was. Here he is with Frankie Dettori in 2000.

Actually, he looked pretty good back then too. Damn you Jenson!!!!

Image source, Rex Features

Here, through the medium of emoji, I will attempt to reflect the mood of the British public.

  ☹️ ☹️ ☹️ ☹️ ☹️ ☹️ ☹️ ☹️ ☹️ ☹️ ☹️ ☹️ ☹️ ☹️ ☹️ ☹️   

Toby Jones: Gutted. But hopeful for 2018, That's the simplest way I can put my disappointment.

ed marshall: Anyone else feel f1 will be missing a massive star next year or is this just because I am 🇬🇧

Robert Astill: If Jenson isn't driving whats the point in sticking around he should be driving an f1 car he's still one of the best 

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, Getty Images

Without wanting to be brutal, life had stagnated on the track for Button.

Here are his most recent seven results: 20th, eighth, 19th, 12th, sixth, 11th, 11th.

The sense of frustration was often visible, just bubbling under the surface, with Jenson.

It's worth repeating that this is obviously not a retirement for Jenson Button, but it certainly has the feeling and the emotion of a retirement.

With Fernando Alonso and Stoffel Vandoorne in the McLaren seats, and Button insisting he will never drive for another team, it's difficult to see a way back unless Alonso moves on at the end of 2017.

Image source, Getty Images

Ham... Mostly: :-( Sad it has to end. I have watched every race of Button's F1 career.  

Unnatee: The paddock's going to miss him! What a career this man has had 

Antal Adriaanse: That's a shame. What a driver, what a champion, what a guy! 

Image source, Getty Images

It may well not be the end of Jenson Button's 16-year career in F1, but it's a notable moment in British F1 and for the man himself.

What's your response to Button's decision?

Use #bbcf1 on Twitter to get involved with the debate.

Image source, Getty Images

So, McLaren-Honda have announced that Jenson Button has signed a new "innovative" two-year deal.

In 2017 he will not race for the team, instead taking up an ambassadorial and advisory role. He will be replaced by Stoffel Vandoorne.

In 2018, the team have the option to return him to a driver's seat.

Image source, AFP

Quick in a car and quick of wit.

Jenson Button, a former world champion, was great on his day.

Will he be back? Who knows.

Hi. Me again. Miss me?

Jenson Button has announced he will not drive for McLaren next year - so we're going to put this puppy back in action and get the latest on the news.

Image source, Reuters

Three Monza poles on the bounce, four of the last five poles at the Italian GP, level with Fangio and Senna on five in total, and half a second quicker than your team-mate.

Can it get even better tomorrow?

Join me from 11:30 BST for the big old build-up, and there's radio coverage when the race starts at 13:00 BST.

Catch you later.

I've just watched a video of Daniel Ricciardo being terrified by a wasp in the media zone.

Very funny.

Car that goes 200mph - not scary.

Small insect with little stingy thing - GET AWAY FROM ME!

I'm sure you can find it on Twitter.

Image source, Getty Images

There was an excellent drive from Valtteri Bottas in there this afternoon, as he beat the two Red Bull drivers into fifth.

"It was my best lap of the week, and the whole qualifying was one of my best," he told Sky Sports..

"I felt very confident in the car and just enjoyed it.

"As a team we’ve been feeling pretty strong this weekend, it’s looking promising. But you never know how much Ferrari has in its back pocket so we’ll have to see tomorrow."

He added that that not having an extra scoop of ice cream yesterday is probably what gave him a 1,000th edge on Daniel Ricciardo.

Massive sacrifice for marginal gain.