According to reports in the Daily Express, Jenson Button’s tour of the McLaren factory in Woking was the last straw in his negotiations to continue with Brawn Grand Prix, the contract breaching move shocking the team who was still under the impression that his driver was considering remaining with the team where he secured his maiden drivers crown.

“I was very disappointed at the way things finished up with Jenson,” Brawn was quoted as saying in the British publication.

The report goes on to say that the deal from Brawn would have seen the reigning world champion take home 8 million in salary and 4 million in bonuses, but his highly publicised antics with his manager at McLaren saw the deal rescinded in a flash leaving the newest champions on the block with a bitter taste in their mouth.  

“We offered loyalty which we hoped, perhaps naively, he would return,” Nick Fry added.