F1 entries/rumours that never came to be

[BTCC frog]

Thanks to nononsensecapeesh for inspiring these other threads. Let's have one for Formula 1.

I think the most interesting silly season story is that of Jenson Button in 2004-6. Button was signed for BAR but tried to sign a contract with Williams. They went through a whole contract dispute in which Button tried to get out of his deal with BAR and instead drive for Williams, but eventually BAR won and retained the services of Jenson Button for 2005. Button then signed a contract with Williams for 2006. However, due to Williams struggling in 2005 as much as BAR, and losing BMW as an engine supplier while BAR were getting increased backing from Honda, Button then decided he wanted to stay with BAR and went back into contract disputes between the two teams, but with the roles reversed. Eventually, Button had to pay Williams to get out of his contract and remain with BAR.