Jenson Button is predicting a four-team scrap next season when he defends his Formula One world championship title.

The chequered flag may only have come down on this year's campaign on Sunday but already thoughts are turning towards 2010.

As yet Button's future is uncertain, although he is expected to remain at Brawn GP, with Mercedes-Benz set to take a 75 per cent stake in the team.

Lewis Hamilton finished the year as the driver who scored the most points from the last eight races, with Kimi Raikkonen – who will be replaced by Fernando Alonso at Ferrari next season – close behind.

Williams yesterday confirmed Rubens Barrichello and Nico Hulkenberg as their line-up for next season.

With the only major change for next season being a refuelling ban, Button said: "Ferrari and McLaren are going to be competitive.

"They have the resources, the expertise, competitive drivers.

"It seems McLaren have thrown everything at the car and have been very competitive over the last few races.

"They're going to be quicker compared to the start of this season.

"But I don't think they're suddenly going to be stronger than Red Bull and Brawn."