Sunday: Button and Magnussen endure McLaren’s Chinese ordeal
No McLaren in the top 10: that is the outcome of the Chinese Grand Prix for the British team that is struggling with a lack of downforce on their car. Jenson Button and Kevin Magnussen are making this bitter observation while hoping for a better future.
Jenson Button (n°22) – 11th
For the Briton, the race was complicated, much like his entire weekend: « It was very difficult. It was a bit like in qualifying yesterday: we couldn’t get the front tires to work, they were graining. »
He knows that the road will still be long before he can compete with the cars ahead of them: « We had some updates for the next Grand Prix in Barcelona, but they will not be enough to catch up with the fastest cars. But the guys are doing their best, and a result like this is disappointing for everyone, especially for the mechanics and the guys at the factory because they are working hard. »
Kevin Magnussen (no.20) – 13th
The Dane experienced an ordeal, due to the lack of structural support from the MP4-29: « The race seemed long because there wasn’t much I could do. Our car lacks downforce, that’s the main issue. The setup, and the feel, have always been positive; it’s just the low grip, that’s all. So, clearly, we have to work as hard as possible to create that missing downforce. »
He has confidence in his team: « I know the guys in Woking are doing their best, and I have faith that they will be able to provide us with that support very soon. »
