JENSON Button may be able to rest easy now he has the Formula One world title in his pocket, but his future remains far from settled.

In his own words, Button insists he can be ‘‘a little more relaxed’’ as he heads into the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Sunday, safe in the knowledge he is world champion.

But the issue of his contract continues to hang over him because he does not have a drive for 2010 given the impasse he faces with Brawn GP over a new deal.

There have been noises from both sides, with Button making it clear he wants to stay, and team boss Ross Brawn claiming he is ‘‘99 per cent’’ certain the 29-year-old will remain.

Brawn has stated his desire for the situation to be resolved by the middle of next month, however, it would appear some bargaining is required as finances are tight, despite their champion status.

Although Brawn is prepared to offer a pay rise above the £3m per year Button currently earns, it falls short of the £8m he is apparently seeking, the salary he previously enjoyed with Honda.

McLaren and Toyota are waiting in the wings to see how the matter develops, with the former understood to have already spoken with Button, or at the least, his manager Richard Goddard.

It leaves Button in a strange sense of limbo – a world champion, but without a team for next year.

At least Button can claim to be unencumbered by the pressure and burden of expectation that had dogged him in the weeks prior to his moment of glory in Brazil ten days ago.

‘‘It’s a fantastic feeling to be going into the final race having achieved my ambition of winning the title and with the team having wrapped up the constructors’ championship,’’ said Button.

‘‘We now want to finish the season in style with a great result, but we can be a little more relaxed in our approach to the weekend.’’ As for Brawn, he is still coming to terms with the enormity of his achievement after rescuing the team from Honda’s demise last year.

‘‘Brazil was a fantastic weekend,’’ assessed Brawn.

‘‘To have won the constructors’ and the drivers’ championships is a special achievement, and I am incredibly proud of the whole team.

‘‘We’ve had a few busy days since returning to the UK and it was great for Jenson and I to get back to the factory and thank everyone for their contribution to our successes.’’