Button said: "Given the circumstances, the meeting was constructive. David is now in no doubt of my intention to return to BMW Williams in 2005. My contractual position allows for this. I have also clarified that I am not moving for money, and my motivation is straightforward determination to win a World Championship, determination which I am sure he, as a competitive person, well understands. Naturally, the main element of disagreement is whether these ambitions would be better served by BMW Williams or BAR, but I have made my decision."

Button added: "Essentially Sport were not permitted to hold private contractual discussions with BAR. I do not feel it was constructive for BAR to leak details of these discussions. I have worked hard and contributed 7 podiums and 61 of the team's 76 points this season. Drivers are changing teams up and down the paddock at the moment - an accepted and fundamental element of our sport - and I wish that my return to Williams would have been less acrimonious in light of the contribution I have made to BAR this season.

"Now that I have met with David and we have both had the opportunity to express our points of view, the most important matter is that the hard work and commitment to racing from everybody in Brackley is repaid with strong results for the remainder of the season, which I have every intention of doing."

After their meeting David Richards made it clear that he still intends to fight to retain Button in 2005.

In an interview with The Guardian Richards said: "There is absolutely no way I am going to back down on this matter, no way. The guy has a contract with our team. We are talking here about a point of integrity. You can't just welch out of your commitments. I've also had letters of support from several other team principals saying they support my position and said that this sort of behaviour just has to be stopped.

"Today was an opportunity to have a sensible dialogue with Jenson. I wanted to point out that it was beholden on him to come and explain himself before [he signed for Williams], not after."

Another to express his amazement of Button's announcement to leave was Honda's Otmar Szafnauer.

Szafnauer, in an interview for the the Daily Telegraph, said: "We were shocked and surprised. We thought he would be racing for BAR next season. We gave Jenson's management all the reassurance they had asked for. When we asked if the answers provided were what he was looking for, they answered yes.

"We were aware that other teams were showing interest in Jenson. That was only natural.

"We told him that we were committed to providing engines for BAR and no other team. And they said that was what they wanted to hear. Two weeks later, on July 23, we announced the new deal with the team."

Despite the discussions the dispute between Button and BAR still appears far from been resolved. Despite this WilliamsF1 are maintaining their position that they have a binding contract with Button for the 2005 season.