Button Reckons Red Bull, Ferrari Out of Reach

Jenson Button told the media after the first day of testing in Barcelona this week that Red Bull Racing and Ferrari are currently out of reach for McLaren Mercedes. His assumptions were not only based on lap times and the way the three challengers have performed in recent tests, but also on mileage, a chapter where his team isn't quite the leader prior to the start of the new season.

“I would be surprised if we can really match the Red Bull and the Ferrari when we get to Melbourne,” admitted Button, who ended Day 1 of the Barcelona test in second place, after doing 74 laps with the MP4-26.

“I think that is a big ask considering the mileage that we have compared to them, and the pace in the last tests compared to them. I think that is going to be tricky. But never say never. I am quite impressed with the step that we have made with the car. However, it is still not enough. We will see with more set-up work this week how close we can get to them. But to be on their pace for the first race is very tricky.”

Nevertheless, Button did not surrender, saying that there is still plenty of developing going on back at the Woking factory these days. And considering the team's poor start of the testing programme this year, being third and closely behind Red Bull and Ferrari isn't such a bad place to be at the time being.

“It hasn't been quite the best start to the year in terms of testing, in terms of mileage, and in terms of reliability, and also pace. But I think we have made some good progress. I would not say we have the quickest car, but still there is a long way to go.”

“You are not going to be happy being the third fastest team, but I don't think it will be a bad way to start the season. You can do a lot from that position. Considering the last few tests and our pace, you would be reasonably happy with that,” he added.