Jenson Button says a selfish streak in his personality is part of the reason he remains motivated to stay in Formula One amid McLaren's recent struggles.

Button is in his 16th season in Formula One this year but looks set for his lowest points tally since 2008 as McLaren's new engine supplier Honda struggles to get up to speed. McLaren has yet to confirm Button as one of its driver for 2016 amid speculation either Kevin Magnussen, the team's reserve, or Stoffel Vandoorne, its test driver and GP2 championship leader, could replace him.

Last year Button was linked to a drive in the World Endurance Championship under similar circumstances, but he does not believe now is the right time for him to leave F1.

"My whole life has been about me standing on top of the podium," Button told ESPN. "When I was in karting it was about looking at the other kids and knowing my trophy was bigger than theirs, it's that sort of thing that I've done for 27 years of my life.

"It's just a change [to leave F1], and that change will happen, but you've got to know when the time is right."

Button said a selfish streak means F1 still appeals over a drive in WEC.

"Formula One is a team sport just like any other motorsport, but when you're in the car you don't think about that. I think racing drivers in this form of motorsport are very selfish and you have to be - that's a reason why I can't have kids right now, because I am very selfish. I've learnt to be selfish in terms of what I do and the hours I put into training and stay away from my wife and family.

"You've got to be selfish if you want to try and be the best you can, so Formula One is perfect for me. Because of the way I am if I go to another form of motorsport that is more of a team effort it would take a little while to bed myself in. I love working as a team as well, when I'm out of the car it's all about team effort, but when you jump in the car you have to be selfish and it's about getting the best out of everything for yourself first of all."