McLaren team principal Martin Whitmarsh has revealed that both Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton could have lapped ‘a little quicker’ had they not had to save fuel from the beginning of the race.
The team made an error with its fuel calculations which meant they had to go into severe fuel saving mode from lap eight, but despite that, they managed to win the race with Button and secure third with Hamilton.
“We were more than marginal [on fuel],” said Whitmarsh. “Had we raced unfettered we would not have got to the finish line with either car, so from lap eight we were in severe fuel saving mode.
“I think unquestionably we could have gone a little bit quicker. We had a quick car here, and we should have got a 1-2, but we are not too displeased with where we are.”
Whitmarsh blamed the decision to pit Hamilton on the same lap as Button, then the subsequent safety car as the reason they lost out on a 1-2
“The loss of place was simply that unfortunately we pitted with both cars, and immediately a safety car was called – which cost us 10 seconds.
“Had we decided not to double shuffle and keep him out for one lap, then we would have stayed ahead of Seb.”
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