Button: “McLaren improved but still too slow”

Jenson Button will start for McLaren from eighth on the grid at the Chinese F1 GP. The Englishman chose to complete a slow lap with medium tires to start with the harder compound tomorrow, aiming for a slower first stint and betting on the rapid degradation of the soft tires fitted by the other drivers in the front rows.

“It went a little better but we are still a little too slow. Thanks to the team for bringing updates but we still need to improve" explained Button.

“The championship certainly doesn't end here but we have to progress. In Q2 we set good times, a sign that the car has improved. We must start from this assumption for tomorrow's race, aiming for a good result."

Button's teammate Sergio Perez ranked 12th: “It's been a difficult weekend so far. I was supposed to be in Q3 today – but I couldn't make the time compared to the others in Q2. This was frustrating, the warm-up of my tires before my flying lap wasn't ideal, and I struggled to really give it my all on that lap.”

“And yet, the tires will be difficult and unpredictable for everyone in tomorrow's race. It will be a tough race, and a lot will depend on the strategy. I have a great team behind me and I know they will do a great job to give me the best possible strategy for tomorrow's race.”

“We can definitely do a good job and score some good points.”