Jenson Button believes that a “massive step” in McLaren-Honda’s recent performance can propel him to success as he stands in for Fernando Alonso at the Monaco Grand Prix.
Button, who retired from Formula 1 at the end of last season, has been called upon by McLaren to replace Alonso at the Principality, while the Spaniard competes in the 101st running of the Indy 500.
McLaren has endured a turbulent start to a 2017 campaign in which they are yet to score a single point. Regardless, Button is optimistic that the updates brought to the car for the Spanish Grand Prix combined with McLaren’s Monaco upgrades will allow him to compete in his one-off appearance.
“It was great to see the performance in Barcelona in qualifying by Fernando,” said Button during an event at McLaren’s Technology Centre.
“P7 – what a step forward. He obviously did a great lap but it shows how much improvement the team has made. It is massive. I can’t say how many points of downforce but it was a lot, and there is another good step for Monaco as well.
“If ‘Fonzy’ [Alonso] can put it seventh in Barcelona then we should be looking sweet for Monaco.”
The distinct circuit characteristics in Monaco should certainly suit McLaren’s package, with power unit deficiencies nullified by the lack of time spent at full throttle. As a result, it is the team’s best chance of scoring points this season to date.
Despite this and the fact that he is yet to turn a wheel in 2017, Button played down the pressure he faces heading into the weekend during his visit to Woking. “If I get to Turn 2 [Massenet] and feel totally out of my depth I will drive off into sunset and not come back!
“So it is fine. It is not a problem. I have no pressure.”
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