JENSON Button's future is set to be decided at a McLaren board meeting on Thursday, when team executives will convene to decide on the driver line-up for 2015, with Button and Kevin Magnussen both waiting to discover whether they will be retained or let go.

McLaren group chief executive Ron Dennis said following the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix: "'I've not made up my mind yet, but (the decision on the driver line-up) is not mine alone, and anyway, it wouldn't be appropriate.

''Any decision has to be supported by the shareholders and the board.

''It's pretty understandable we're looking at two people, and there's a broader choice than Kevin and Jenson, but nevertheless whatever the decision, it won't be taken until (the board meeting).''

Fernando Alonso is widely expected to occupy one of the seats at McLaren following his departure from Ferrari.

Lewis Hamilton, who was a former team-mate of Alonso's during the Spaniard's first stint at McLaren, believes he will be a very different character from the one who left in 2007.

Hamilton said: "I wish him all the best.

"It's an interesting decision, and a new experience for the team.

"Fernando has grown a huge amount over the years, both as a driver and in terms of his maturity.

"Having the previous experience with Ron he'll definitely have a much better handle on it, and perhaps won't be in as tricky a situation as he was back then."

Alonso is to be replaced at Ferrari by four-times champion Sebastian Vettel who has opted to end his 14-year association with Red Bull.

Hamilton can appreciate what Vettel will be going through. He was with McLaren for 13 years before opting to join Mercedes.

Hamilton added: "For Sebastian, it's great for him. It's a dream for most drivers to experience driving a Ferrari.

"He's won four world championships, so this is a new chapter for him and I wish him all the best with it."