After a mixed result for McLaren-Honda, Racing Director Eric Boullier praised Jenson Button for his points finish and believed Fernando Alonso should have finished in the points at the Hockenheimring.
Button secured an eighth place finish in the German Grand Prix, making a late race pass on the struggling Valtteri Bottas, but Alonso dropped behind both Sergio Perez and Esteban Gutierrez in the closing laps as he was forced into extreme fuel saving mode.
“Jenson drove faultlessly today, showing all his authority and intelligence to push throughout the entire race, moving into a well-deserved eighth position – after overtaking Valtteri Bottas – right at the very end. His was a fantastic effort.
“Fernando also looked set for a points finish, and was running 10th, closing on Jenson, when he began losing pace in the closing laps as he battled to save fuel and manage the tyres. His 12th position wasn’t a fair reflection of his efforts this afternoon”.
Boullier took the time to praise the team for all their hard work they put in over the demanding first half of the season. With a busy schedule McLaren have been working flat out to develop the car in such little time.
“As we head into Formula 1’s traditional summer shutdown, I want to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the hard work, dedication and efforts of the entire team. These past six Grand Prix have seen an unbelievable amount of work from our mechanics, engineers, hospitality team and riggers – many of those people have not seen their homes or their loved ones for many weeks.
“I now sincerely hope that everyone can get some well-earned rest and recuperation – well away from the Formula 1 paddock – before returning for the next race, in Belgium, in one month’s time.”
When Formula One returns from the summer break, they head to Spa in Belgium which could be tricky for McLaren because the track is largely focused on engine power which is the McLaren’s biggest weakness.
