From a strategic point of view, Jenson Button felt the United States Grand Prix was a perfect race, but the 2009 World Champion still bemoaned the lack of pace from his McLaren-Honda.
Button was able to make the most of the changeable conditions at the Circuit of the Americas to claim a season’s best sixth in the race on Sunday, but admitted that once the track dried out he was not able to remain in contention for a better result due to the lack of pace from his MP4/30.
“This was a strategic race today – and, strategy-wise, we did a perfect race,” reflected Button. “The team should be very happy with what we achieved; we made all the right calls, but still we need to go away and look at our lack of performance.
“In the opening laps, I really enjoyed racing in the drying conditions, and I felt like I was able to make a bit of a difference. We got onto slicks before the others, and made the right calls, but, once it was dry and everybody knew where to brake, it became a lot more difficult for us. We just couldn’t match the others’ pace once they all found their feet.
“Nevertheless, it’s great to get some points – and I enjoyed the challenge. We just didn’t have the pace.”
