Jenson Button says McLaren MP4-29 still lacks pace

Jenson Button

Jenson Button is expecting a much more competitive McLaren once the season starts, although he concedes that their car still lacks outright performance compared to its rivals.

"The basic car is good but we're still waiting for upgrades. It definitely has potential, this car, it has a good feel about it," he said.

"We have a very good understanding of the power unit and how to use the ERS under braking but also throughout a race, with fuel usage and what have you.

"Outright pace is something we need to work on. We haven't really done much set-up work because it's been more putting mileage on everything.

"Our last two days is going to be set-up work, so we'll know much more after the last two days."

"I think this car is a good car. But at launch we went in a direction that was for more drivability with the car and it's not just bolt-on downforce that we've got on it, it's usable downforce," he said.

"We always knew we were probably lacking in that area, but we feel that by the first race we'll be good. I don't know where we'll stand but we'll be a lot more competitive.

"I'm not worried about where we are. I'm quite happy with the basic car that we have, but I know we need more downforce. But that's coming."