Categories: F1 News, Reports and Race ResultsMcLaren

Button bemoans Q3 missed opportunity

Jenson Button will start 10th in the Monaco Grand Prix after grid penalties but believes he could have been much higher if it wasn't for a yellow flag costing him time.

On his final flying lap in Q2, Button had to back off at Ste Devote after Nico Rosberg had ended up in the run-off area. While Button set two fastest sectors after that point and improved his time, he ended the session 12th, less than 0.1s away from a spot in Q3 and was left frustrated by the result.

"I'm going to say that I would have gone into Q3," Button said. "The car felt really good, even if we still don't have the outright pace. But I've got a lot of confidence in it and you need that around here, especially braking. I'm happy because I feel the car is making progress."

Having been promoted to tenth by penalties for Carlos Sainz and Romain Grosjean, the McLaren driver is still hopeful that Monte Carlo's typical unpredictable nature will perhaps throw a good result his way, .

"Our aim - and probably everyone's aim here - is to score points. It would be nice to do that, a little stepping stone on to what we want to achieve in the future."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.