Formula One champion Jenson Button has hinted that he may be staying back with the Brawn Team for the 2010 season.

Button was earlier linked with a move to McLaren, who have already made it clear that they would be delighted with his acquisition. But, Button has said that he is expecting an unprecedented battle for the championship next year with McLaren and Ferrari returning to the mix.

“Ferrari and McLaren are going to be competitive next season, but I don’t think they are suddenly going to be stronger than Red Bull and Brawn,” The Telegraph quoted Button, as saying.

“I think there is going to be a big battle at the front, which will be a new thing for all of us. Four teams and eight drivers fighting it out at the front has never happened before,” he added.

Button’s camp is demanding a huge rise in the world champion’s wages after he took a voluntary cut at the beginning of the season to stay on with the team in the wake of Honda’s departure.

Button, who will now compete in the Race of Champions at Beijing’s Bird’s Nest stadium, said that he was going to relax before deciding on his future.

“I am going to go and enjoy myself with the team tonight, so we’ll see how I go in China on Tuesday and Wednesday. And then I’m heading to Japan to spend some time there with my girlfriend. Then I’ll start thinking about next year. I’m looking forward to the new challenge.”

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