It's been revealed that in addition to taking a major pay cut this season, Jenson Button paid for most of his own flights to races, opting to travel with budget airlines.

"I paid for pretty much all my travel this season," the new World Champion told reporters at a promotional event at the Bluewater shopping centre in Kent. "I was flying on budget airlines and paid for pretty much all my own but it wasn't a big deal. We all give up certain things when times get tough. And, to be fair, when you get a chance to drive the car I'm driving you'd give up pretty much anything."

However, after winning the title on Sunday, teammate Rubens Barrichello was determined that Button should make the journey home to the UK in style and lent the Englishman his private jet. "I'm not that materialistic," said Button, "but it was nice of Rubens to let me use his plane. It was quite surreal but it was so I could spend some time with the team."

With the championship secured, and one race remaining, Button is now looking ahead to next year, and despite media speculation that money could be an obstacle to securing a new deal with Brawn remains hopeful that he can stay with the Brackley outfit.

"The most important thing in my career is to be in a great car that's competitive," he said. "This year is the first time I've really been in that position. I'm not looking to join a new team who can pay me a bigger amount of money. I'm not expensive compared to some drivers I just want to go out and win races again."