Jenson Button has acknowledged that McLaren’s deliberations over its 2015 lineup could leave him without an alternative.
Amid the high uncertainty, an impression began to form at Monza recently that the British team would in fact not sign a top name like Sebastian Vettel or Fernando Alonso next year.
At the same time, it was said that veteran Button and his manager had been enjoying much more promising talks with team supremo Ron Dennis.
McLaren boss Eric Boullier, however, is giving absolutely nothing away in Singapore.
"Wait for the decision and the announcement," he told reporters.
Button agreed: "Patience is a virtue — you all should be patient."
Boullier and Button’s comments might be interpreted to mean that a decision has now been taken, and that the new policy of silence could mean an imminent announcement is pending.
But Button said: "There is still no answer."
And the 34-year-old admitted that the delay could compromise his entire F1 career.
"I think most (other) cockpits are already taken," he said.
So if McLaren does turn to someone else, Button could be left with the music stopped and little desire to accept whatever chairs are left vacant.
"I want to drive for a competitive team, otherwise as a world champion it would make little sense to keep going."