Button braces for challenging Shanghai weekend

Jenson Button echoes McLaren-Honda team-mate Fernando Alonso’s remarks in saying the Woking-based team is set to struggle again during this weekend’s Chinese Grand Prix.

McLaren’s progress has so far been hampered by power unit gremlins as engine partner Honda endeavours to get on top of the new hybrid technology.

Although Button reached the chequered flag in Melbourne’s season-opener, the 15-time grand prix winner finished two laps down from both Mercedes.

The 2009 word champion noticed significant improvement in Malaysia only to see turbo issues curtail his efforts on race day. What’s more, a MP4-30 is yet to progress through to Q2 during qualifying.

Having already admitted that points were unlikely before Spain, Button braces himself for another challenging weekend in Shanghai due to the nature of the track layout.

“China’s two long straights – each preceded by slow- to medium-speed corners – will place extra emphasis on the power-unit,” said the 2010 Chinese Grand Prix winner.

“And there is a feeling that the expected cooler weather will make it harder to generate tyre temperature – which could mean that any progress we make doesn’t necessarily translate to a laptime benefit.”

However, Button remains confident McLaren continues to head in the right direction in terms of making up for lost ground after a tough start to its season.

“There is definitely progress being made, and it’s great to be able to play a role in helping move the whole team forwards. It’ll be fascinating to see how much change we can effect over the forthcoming races.”

Click here for an interesting take on putting new drivers in third cars. 

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Julien Billiotte

Recent Posts

Williams' headaches persist into Vegas practice

Williams is continuing to fight uphill battles this weekend in Las Vegas as a knock-on…

23 mins ago

Ferrari's Sainz 'not satisfied with where we are' in Vegas

It was a solid start to the Las Vegas weekend for Ferrari with Carlos Sainz…

2 hours ago

Norris labels McLaren long-run pace ‘shocking’ in chilly Vegas

Lando Norris didn’t hold back in his assessment of McLaren’s performance on the opening day…

3 hours ago

Hamilton delighted with ‘consistently strong day’ in Vegas

Lewis Hamilton was particularly happy with his opening day of running at the Las Vegas…

4 hours ago

Verstappen stuck with 'draggy' rear wing for Vegas

Red Bull fears that its prospects for this weekend's Las Vegas Grand Prix - which…

5 hours ago

Ferrari and Mercedes admit to plank changes based on FIA’s TD

Ferrari and Mercedes have both modified their car’s floor element in Las Vegas to comply…

6 hours ago