In an interview with Sky Sports 2009 World Champion, Jenson Button said that the team can close the gap next year, much like Ferrari did last winter.
Ferrari have been Mercedes’ closest rivals this year, with Vettel winning three Grand Prix so far in 2015.
“I heard rumours that they (Ferrari) found 100 horsepower over the winter. I don’t know if that’s true or not, but whatever they’ve found is massive.” Jenson said.
“Obviously we need to make even bigger steps if we want to achieve that, but it can be done over a winter. So I’m looking forward to it.”
He also reiterated the fact that McLaren-Honda have learnt a lot this year and is looking forward to the winter break.
“We obviously need to make a big step next year, we know that, so it’s going to be a long, hard winter, but an exciting one as well.” He said.
It has been a tough year for the 35-year-old, and Mexico was a difficult weekend for both McLaren’s with Alonso retiring and Button finishing in 14th place.
However, Button has fond memories of Autódromo José Carlos Pace having won his 2009 world championship at the track.
The Brits last win in Formula 1 also came here back in 2012, in the same weekend that Sebastian Vettel would go on to win his third world championship.
Speaking at Thursday’s press conference, the McLaren driver said: “Coming here this year, it’s obviously not going to be an easy weekend but it will be better than the last one definitely.”
“So I’m looking forward to it and we’ll get the maximum out of what we have, which is always what we do.”
