Jenson Button says McLaren can't win at Spa

Jenson Button

Jenson Button has ruled out McLaren challenging for the victory at Spa, saying the team just doesn’t have the package.

Although McLaren have made up some ground in recent weeks, the Woking team is still off the pace of the front running Red Bulls and Mercedes.

In a very different story to last season when Button claimed pole position for the Belgian GP and then took the victory 24 hours later after putting in a dominant display.

“We don’t go to Spa with the package to win, but I’ll still be making the most of every single lap around this place – it’ll still feel incredible,” admitted the Brit.

The circuit remains one of Button’s best to visit with the 2009 World Champ saying it’s on his “shortlist of favourite circuits in F1.

He added: “The thing about Spa is that it just feels awesome to nail a quick lap around there – you need a car that’s perfectly synced to the driver, because it’s such a long lap, and there are so many big corners, that you need to find that perfect balance.

“And getting the set-up right – and running flat-out for nearly two minutes – feels incredible.”

Button’s claims that McLaren not in the hunt were echoed by his team boss Martin Whitmarsh, who is just hoping that the team will once again take strides forwards.

“Spa has been the scene of many victories for McLaren through the years – not least, our very first grand prix win, achieved by Bruce McLaren himself back in 1968,” he said.

“While we’re not contenders for outright victory this time round, the whole team is looking forward to another opportunity to build on our ability to understand and operate MP4-28.”