Jenson Button has called for Honda to spend more time trying to find extra power rather than worrying about reliability.
Honda introduced an upgraded power unit at the Belgian Grand Prix having spent three tokens, with a focus on combustion as the power unit manufacturer predicted “a bit step” forward at Spa. While McLaren attempted to play down expectations ahead of the race weekend, Button admitted he was “excited” to try the upgrade.
However, the race proved a disappointing one as McLaren was comfortably off the midfield pace and Button was hit by an ERS deployment issue. Having finished 14th on Sunday, Button called for Honda to prioritise competitiveness over reliability.
“I’d rather have more effort on power,” Button said. “I think that’s the aim we have right now – the aim is power – that’s always been the aim. Reliability is second really, because I think we’d like to see ourselves quicker and less reliable – I wouldn’t have an issue with that.
“The performance is something difficult to find, reliability is probably a little bit easier. Everyone is working hard, but this is tough this weekend, not only were we slow but I had the problem.”
Click here for F1i's driver ratings after the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps.
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