We need to qualify in the top 10 to hold on to a race - Button

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Jenson Button concluded his British GP - which some are speculating was his last - down in 12th place following a rather underwhelming afternoon at Silverstone.

From 17th on the grid, the McLaren driver progressed up the field amidst the tricky and variable track conditions, ending up just outside the top 10 before relinquishing a spot to Williams' Felipe Massa a few laps from the end.

Obviously, the weather wreaked havoc on the British driver's initial game plan as any attempt to storm through the pack from the outset was thwarted by the decision to start the wet race behind the Safety Car.

"It was definitely the right decision to start the race behind the Safety Car – it was super-wet and there was loads of standing water, but I think it should have been recalled two laps earlier," Button said.

"Then, when the Safety Car pitted, everyone boxed for Inters, so I decided to do the opposite, which was a good thing as I overtook a couple of cars. For the second stop, it was better to stop sooner rather than later, but I was stuck behind Valterri [Bottas], so I stayed out for another lap.

Once again, Button underlined the need for McLaren to achieve a better result in Saturday's qualifying in order to hope for better fortunes come Sunday.

"My race wasn’t helped by starting 17th: to get into the points, we need to qualify inside the top 10, hold on in the race, not make mistakes and hope to stay there. I couldn’t really close on the cars in front of me because we don’t yet have quite enough pace in the car to make up sufficient places in the race.

"It wasn’t an easy afternoon, but it was great to see all the fans cheering at the end. They got a British victory as well, so I’m sure they’re very happy."

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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.