Mixed fortunes for McLaren drivers in Austin

It was a mixed day for the Woking team at the US Grand Prix. Jenson Button was among the first to put on the slick tyres in the damp conditions at the right moment to haul himself up the field. He attempted to make it to the end of the race on that set of tyres, but had to make a second pit stop. He still managed to score eight points in 6th place.

“We’re struggling with tyres, we’re damaging them very easily,” he said, “I don’t know why and the only way we can make a place is by making the right calls and getting onto slicks before others and making the difference.”

“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," he added, "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.

Fernando Alonso was running close to his team mate whilst running the new upgraded Honda power unit. However, a fuel system sensor failure caused him to lose power in the final stages of the race and he fell outside of the points.

“To be running one minute behind the penultimate car on lap two, and then be running as high as fifth position with 10 laps remaining was quite a feat,” he said.

“After such a strong recovery, it was a shame that a mechanical issue in the closing laps put us out of the fight. That meant my feelings after the race were more sad than happy – but we can go away and continue to try to improve these issues.

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