Jenson Button was downbeat following qualifying for the British Grand Prix at Silverstone and admitted that the situation he and his McLaren-Honda team find themselves in at this stage of the season ‘hurts’.
The British driver could only qualify a lowly eighteenth in front of his home fans at Silverstone, ahead of only the two Manor F1 Team drivers, and was left baffled to why the supposedly quicker Medium Pirelli tyre was not as effective on his car than the harder compound.
“I don’t know why, but the Prime tyre has suited me far better than the Option this weekend,” revealed Button. “Normally, you add turns of front wing to balance the car for the Option tyre, but we’ve been taking front wing out this weekend.
“I’ve been struggling with the balance a little bit – hopefully we’ll learn a lot tomorrow, that’s all we can do, really.
“Unfortunately, this is our situation right now – and it’s not easy for a team of this stature and experience. There’s always an amazing atmosphere at Silverstone – and today is no exception – but this hurts in front of my home crowd.
“Hopefully tomorrow will be a better day.”
