McLaren driver happy with performance in Spielberg after beating teams that are "much quicker"
Wednesday 13 July 2016 16:19, UK
Jenson Button enjoyed his best result of the season so far at the Red Bull Ring, finishing sixth after a spirited performance.
The 2009 world champion started the race in third after qualifying fifth, thanks to grid penalties for Mercedes' Nico Rosberg and Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel, but was happy with his performance despite not holding onto a spot in the top three.
"Great race, good start," he told Sky F1. "I didn't quite win the first lap, which was my aim, but it was Brits first and second for seven laps.
"I couldn't hold it any longer than that because as soon as one gets past, they were overtaking in places you would not expect.
"When everyone's got DRS they're pulling two car lengths away in the middle of the straight and at certain times it was really frustrating."
The Brit did, however, take heart from his result when compared to teams above McLaren in the standings.
"We still had some great battles out there and to come home sixth is much better than we had hoped. I think we thought eighth was probably on the cards.
"The cars that beat us are all much quicker than us. To beat Williams, Haas, Force India - it's a good day."
WATCH: Hamilton & Rosberg collide in Austria
Up next is Button's home race, the British Grand Prix, and while he's not expecting great things there, he thinks the team will be boosted by the result in Austria.
"Silverstone is going to be tough. It won't be like this unless it's weird conditions, which it can be. It's in the UK, so of course the weather is going to be terrible, so I look forward to that.
"It's a tough week, especially for the mechanics. I think it's put a smile on their face. So now we pack up, travel 1,500 kilometres to the UK and look forward to the British Grand Prix."
