Richards says he is determined to hang on to Button for 2005

Button stunned BAR by signing for Williams next year although both teams say they have a claim on the Briton.

"There is absolutely no way that I am going to back down on this matter," Richards told the Guardian.

"The guy has a contract with us. We're talking here about integrity. You can't just welch out of your commitments."

Richards met with Button over the weekend with the driver stating that he has no intention of reversing his decision.

Button said that the meeting was "constructive, given the circumstances".

Button defiant on Williams

He added: "David is now in no doubt of my intention to return to BMW Williams in 2005. My contractual position allows for this."

But Richards remains unmoved and says he is being supported by other team bosses.

Jenson has a contract with us to the end of the year - the difference between us is whether or not he is committed for next year as well BAR team principal Dave Richards

"I've had letters of support from several other team principals saying they support my position and said that this sort of behaviour just has to be stopped," said Richards.

"The meeting with Jenson was an opportunity to have a sensible dialogue. I wanted to point out that it was beholden on him to come and explain himself before he signed for Williams, not after."

Hungarian GP preview

Richards has stated that despite the row which is engulfing the team ahead of this weekend's Hungarian Grand Prix, he will not be dropping Button for the remainder of this season.

"We're not descending to this type of behaviour," he said.

"Jenson has a contract with us to the end of the year. The point of difference between us is whether or not he is committed for next year as well."