Jenson Button insists he can walk away from F1 with no regrets but admits he may not have had his fill of the sport.
The 2009 world champion is refusing to rule out a grid comeback despite treating Sunday's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix as the 305th and last start of his 17-season career.
Button is officially taking a sabbatical next year but has a contract with McLaren for 2018 and will be ready to step into the cockpit if needed.
The Frome born racer, 36, said: "I can leave F1 on Sunday without any regrets.
"I've done everything I dreamed of doing. Maybe I could have won more championships, but I won one and not every driver can say that.
"I go into this weekend thinking it is going to be my last race. That is the best way to be at this moment of time.
"Beyond this, I don't want to be racing in F1.
"But the whole idea about having a contract for 2018 is that in three months' time, when I have eaten myself stupid and am thinking of things to do in the future, maybe I realise I need F1 back in my life."
Button made his debut with Williams in 2000 and after a rollercoaster career finally won the title with privateer team Brawn - just months after fearing he was out of a job when Honda quit the sport.
The Monaco-based driver is in talks about competing in sportscars next year but will also attempt to qualify for the World Half Ironman Championships in Tennessee.
Button, who has his own triathlon in London, said: "I'll probably be fitter than I am now as I'd love to qualify for the half Ironman.
"So if I'm needed I'll be ready to race again. But I'm just looking forward to competing in other formula and having some fun.
"There are so many memories I can't put them all out on the table right now.
"One of the best memories was getting the job at Williams and then driving out on the track in Melbourne was a special moment.
"Driving out on the track behind Michael Schumacher in the Ferrari, the leaves were falling, the rooster tail of the Ferrari and that was a moment. I've achieved everything I wanted."
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