Jenson Button on why 'mentally tough' start to 2013 will help McLaren in future

Jenson Button has admitted McLaren's struggles have made it a "mentally very tough" first half of the season but is convinced they will emerge as a stronger team for the experience.

Speaking in a separate interview for McLaren sponsor Mobil 1, Button said he had been impressed with how McLaren had managed to alter their development course in recent months having accepted that they'd got the initial plan with the radically different MP4-28 wrong. He reiterated that the prospect of returning to the podium - which he has already suggested could be achievable at the next race in Belgium - could soon be back within the team's grasp. "It is amazing how quickly we have been able to adapt and change the aerodynamics of the car, the airflow and so on. But the problem now is we are a long way behind the leaders in terms of development. It has been a difficult season but we are getting there," he said. "I feel that we are still going to have some good results this year. I think you will see us improve over the next few races. I feel we can get a podium over the next few races if all those changes go to plan."