Brawn: 'Button should seek sponsors to boost salary'

The world champion took a £5m pay cut to help his Brawn team stay afloat following Honda's withdrawal last winter (GETTY IMAGES)

Ross Brawn has indicated Jenson Button's salary demands will not be met and is instead prepared to offer the new world champion more freedom to seek out personal sponsorship deals to boost his income.

The Briton took a £5m pay cut to help the team stay afloat following Honda's withdrawal last winter but Brawn is reluctant to return Button to his former salary of around £8m. Brawn said: "Jenson has some freedom for his own endorsements but has a commitment to meet our obligations."

Brawn have concluded a deal for Nico Rosberg to join the team from the start of next season, but Brawn insist the German will not be confirmed until Button's future has been resolved.