Button: It was a 'mistake' to try and leave BAR.

BAR-Honda driver Jenson Button has revealed that he made a 'mistake' to try and re-join Williams for 2005.

Speaking to British newspaper, The Guardian, the Englishman, added that he should have discussed the matter with then BAR boss, David Richards, and that he was 'misguided' in not doing so.

"Yes, I did make some mistakes," Button stated to the 'paper, when asked about the matter.

"I don't know the legal side of things so I just had to listen to what people had to say.

"I thought it was the correct thing to do, but obviously it wasn't. In my reasoning for moving I don't think I made a mistake, but in not talking to David myself I was misguided."

Button's attempt to re-join Williams, the team he made his debut with in 2000, was announced in August, something that not only shocked most F1 insiders, but also BAR, who believed that had a valid contract.

Richards however refused to yield to claims there was a loophole in Jenson's deal, and after going to the F1 Contract Recognition Board [CRB], proved he had a valid contact for 2005.

The Englishman, who had feared that Honda might leave BAR, has now been boosted by the news that Honda have purchased a 45 per cent stake in the team, a matter that will see Richards and his Prodrive management team leave the outfit in February. Both factors are undoubtedly good news for Button.

"Honda having a stake in the team is the best thing for BAR," he added.

"It's huge for everyone working here. It makes us very excited about the coming years."

So will Button still want to join Williams in 2006, if possible? - one would imagine that will depend on the form of both BAR and Williams during the coming year.