Friday: McLaren drivers already ahead

Lewis Hamilton – 1st and 4th

Paying attention to the tires is going to be a real challenge here. The track surface is so hot, and the amount of energy that goes through the tires during braking is incredible: the temperatures keep rising until it feels like driving on ice.

The degradation of tires is going to be a big problem for everyone, and this weekend, it will be about seeing who can manage their tires the best.

The wind direction also played a very important role today. On one lap, there will be a headwind at turn 4, on the next lap, a tailwind, and then a crosswind. And that made a big difference today on the circuit. I think my best time was set half an hour after the best time set by Nico (Rosberg), and the wind was very different.

Overall, the Mercedes seem fast. We are close, but we will know more tomorrow. All in all, it has been a complicated day; it’s a real challenge, but we are all in the same boat.

Jenson Button – 5th and 6th

I had an interesting day trying to find a good balance with the two types of tires. The car behaved very differently from what it was like during the first three races. Maybe we went too far in terms of balance and need to take a step back—there will be work to do tonight to put us in a better position. But I remain confident that we will solve our problems before tomorrow.

My times have not been very good throughout the day – on one lap, the Mercedes and Red Bulls seem very fast. There is a big gap with the front at the moment – but I don’t think it will be the same in the race. However, setting aside lap times, I’m not completely happy with the direction chosen. We have started talking about what we can do for tomorrow and there are already positive comments on which direction to take.

It will be difficult for everyone on track – the question will be what type of tire we can make work well.