Jenson Button is relishing a winter he believes will finally lack any discontent.

For years outgoing Formula One world champion Button has been as miserable during that period as the long, dark months that dominate it as he has found himself coping with one problem after another.

But for the first time in a long while the 30-year-old will have an opportunity to make his mark, both on McLaren and the car he would like to have at his disposal in 2011.

"I don't think I've had a nice winter for many years, of actually sitting down and working with the team in preparing next year's car," said Button, ahead of the final race of the year in Abu Dhabi tomorrow.

"Last winter I changed teams (switching from Brawn to McLaren); the year before I didn't think I was going to be racing in 2009.

"Prior to that when I was with Honda we had no direction, and Ross Brawn (as team principal) came in too late to really help with the development of the car.

"So there has always been something over the winter, movement or changes, which have made them stressful.

"The one coming up will not be stressful at all. It will be a walk in the park, enjoyable.

"It will be good to sit down and run through all the improvements, everything I need from the car, from the comfort within it, to its balance and the direction I'd like to take with it.

"So I'm looking forward to it. It's going to be a busy winter, not one big holiday, but it's going to be exciting at the same time.

"That is because you know it could make or break a season, so it's also an important time."

By his own admission a year that started with rich promise after two victories in the opening four races simply ran out of steam.

Button encountered a problem that has often plagued him as he has struggled to find a balance with his car.

It is why Button feels an uninterrupted winter will hopefully help him get to the bottom of his issues and provide a more robust tilt at reclaiming the title next year.

Button is also prepared to work all hours to ensure he and the car are not found wanting come the start of next season, which will be in Bahrain in mid-March.

"You could end up with a car that's not very quick and be very surprised," said Button.

"The important thing is to stay on top of everything to look at all the fine details, making sure you understand how things work, not to let it all get too much and on top of you.

"Testing in February will be very busy. We're going to be working from 7am through to 10pm or 11pm because the feedback then is going to be so important.

"We're all going to be willing to burn the midnight oil to get it right for next year because although this one has been a good one, it's not been as good as we would have liked.

"Every team member will say the same. There have been a lot of highs, but maybe too many lows, and that's something we want to correct for next year."