McLaren yesterday announced the signing of reigning world champion Jenson Button on a "multi-year deal" that will see the Briton paired with Lewis Hamilton from the start of the 2010 Formula One season.

The world champion's move was announced following news that former world champion Kimi Raikkonen will not race in F1 next year.

Frome driver Button will line-up alongside Hamilton after parting company with reigning constructors champions Brawn GP, who were the subject of a takeover by Mercedes-Benz earlier this week.

McLaren team principal Martin Whitmarsh revealed Button's move from Brawn was not motivated by personal gain, despite widespread reports that his former employers had failed to meet his salary demands.

"I want to make clear that Jenson's decision to join us was in no way motivated by money," said Whitmarsh.

"We'll be paying him no more than he could be getting elsewhere, and that fact is a reflection of not only Jenson's belief in Vodafone McLaren Mercedes but also his desire and ambition to build on the phenomenal results he achieved during the 2009 season."

He added: "Everybody at Vodafone McLaren Mercedes is absolutely delighted to be able to welcome Jenson to our team.

"It has always been our policy to employ the two very best possible drivers – and, in Jenson and Lewis, we feel we not only have the fastest pairing on the 2010 grid, but also the two most complete, professional and dedicated drivers in Formula One."

Hamilton wished his former team-mate Heikki Kovalainen the best for the future.

Hamilton added: "It's fantastic news that Jenson has decided to join McLaren – and I'm looking forward to working with him and our engineers to make sure we kick off the 2010 season with a car that's competitive enough to win the world championship.

"I already know Jenson, and we get on very well together. We both really want our team to succeed. Although we'll be pushing each other hard, I'm sure we'll very quickly establish a great working relationship.

Meanwhile, former grand prix team owner Eddie Jordan believes Button had no option but to sign for McLaren following the Mercedes-Benz takeover of Brawn GP.

"I think that Mercedes...want a German team. I didn't think that there was going to be a place for Jenson there," Jordan said.

"It is a pity – I would have liked to see him defend his title in that team, which gave him the chance to be champion. The dice changed against Jenson and he was left really with only McLaren, and he should consider himself quite lucky to be there because it's a very strong team."