McLaren's Jenson Button not enjoying the easy life with Formula 1's reduced grid
Button out-qualifies Magnussen in U.S. but relegated due to grid penalty
Monday 3 November 2014 18:15, UK
Jenson Button has admitted he wishes there more cars running in Austin this weekend, even though the absence of two teams makes racing life an altogether more straightforward affair.
The withdrawal of both the beleaguered Caterham and Marussia outfits, coupled with World Champion Sebastian Vettel setting just one timed lap, meant that, in effect, just 17 cars took part in Qualifying One for the United States GP. It was the smallest grid fielded in F1 since the 2005 Monaco GP and a significant reduction on the 22 cars which ran in the previous 16 events this term.
“It makes qualifying easier and it probably makes the race easier, but that’s not what we want,” Button told Sky F1. “We’re here for a tough time, we want a full grid. It would be nice to have at least 20 cars on the grid because it’s the pinnacle of motorsport – supposedly.
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“It’s a shame they are not here and I feel for all the guys who are working for those teams because I know what it’s like to be suddenly cut out. Hopefully it’s not the end for them and they can come back.”
Button’s Honda team were themselves on the brink of going out of business in the months prior to the launch of the rebadged Brawn car which propelled the Englishman to his 2009 World Championship. It remains to be seen what the future now holds for Button with Fernando Alonso expected to take his place at McLaren next season.
“I’m positive,” Button replied when asked about his future. “Whatever happens I’m positive.”
Recent reports have suggested that Button is considering an alternative extension to his motor-racing career by driving sportscars for Porsche.
Button will start Sunday’s race from twelfth as a result of a five-place grid penalty for a gearbox change while team-mate Kevin Magnussen, edged out on the road by 0.051seconds by Button in Qualifying Three, will line up seventh.
“In Practice One on Friday, we were pretty quick, but we’ve just got slower all the way through the weekend. But we got the best out of the car, we really did wring its neck. I thought we both did a good job out there," said Button.
Looking ahead to the race itself, the veteran added: "To score more points than Ferrari is our aim. It’s going to be very difficult. Easier for Kevin, and back in twelfth I’ll do what I can. We’ll have to take a few risks. It’s not a one-stop strategy race here, which it normally is, it’s going to be two or three, so we’ll have to mix it up."
