Former world champion Jenson Button hit back at his McLaren team chief Ron Dennis on Thursday with a robust response to suggestions that he needed to try harder.

Button, 34, said he was not someone who avoided taking responsibility or who gave less than his best for his team.

Dennis had told Sky Sports TV that Button could try harder to beat and outperform his McLaren team-mate, rookie Dane Kevin Magnussen, 21.

Many observers interpreted Dennis’s attack on Button as a warning that he needed to up his performance if he hoped to stay at McLaren next year.

McLaren are in their worst run of form for 18 years and have not won a race since the end of 2012.

“I think Ron’s practising to be a motivational speaker, maybe,” said Button.

“You know when we’re in the position we’ve been in for 18 months it is not easy. For everyone in the team it is very, very difficult.

“So, no. I think we all need to work harder as a team. We shouldn’t be pointing the finger at any individual in the team.

“We’ve got ourselves into this situation and we have to fight our way out. I don’t do things in half measures. I’ve the experience in Formula One to know you need to give 100 per cent.

“And I always do in the paddock, at the factory, on my phone to the engineers. Everything is 100 per cent.”

Dennis had told Sky Sports that Button is “a highly paid Grand Prix driver” and added “Do I want him to try harder? Of course, I do.”