Red Bulls still have edge, says Button
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Jenson Button believes Red Bull Racing still have the advantage over McLaren in terms of outright pace despite an improved showing by his team at last weekend's Turkish Grand Prix.
Button finished second to his McLaren team-mate Lewis Hamilton in Istanbul after a collision between the Red Bulls dropped Mark Webber to third place at the flag and eliminated Sebastian Vettel.
Until the incident on lap 40 the leading foursome had been running in close order, with McLaren showing improved pace. Button believes the advantage still lies with Webber, the title leader, and Vettel heading into next weekend's Canadian Grand Prix, but maintains his team will not become distracted by concerns over what the opposition is doing.
"We know that there's still a way to go to beat the Red Bulls on sheer pace," he said. "But while that's important, it's not a target that we're continually aiming at.
"We know they're quick, but it's more important for us to focus on what we're doing, and make sure we're performing at the limit. Qualifying pace is still something we're not entirely satisfied with, but we're pleased we appear to have closed the gap on Red Bull."
The reigning world champion revealed he has been impressed by the rate of development work undertaken at Woking since joining McLaren: "I'm really overwhelmed by how much this team can just keep developing."
Hamilton echoed Button's praise and revealed the mood in the camp is on a par with that of his title-winning campaign in 2008. "This is an incredible development machine – it never stops," said Hamilton, who is nine points behind Webber in the drivers' standings, and four shy of Button.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments