Whilst things haven’t been going badly for McLaren, Jenson Button says they’re behind where they expected to be at this point during pre-season testing.
The Briton was fifth fastest on Friday, over 1.3 seconds slower than Sergio Perez’s lead time, but whilst fuel loads and programmes aren’t known, Button says they’re behind some of their rivals.
However he is hopeful that, as they’re still running a launch-spec MP4-29, an upgraded version will put them nearer the front.
“We’ve got a lot of work to do still,” he said on Friday. “I think the basic car is good but we’re still waiting for our upgrades.
“The first race package will hopefully move us a bit closer to some of the other cars because we are behind quite a few teams at the moment, probably more than we expected, but I’m not worried.
“It definitely has potential this car. It has a very good feel about it.”
The 2009 champion is pleased with the new Mercedes V6 power unit which is so far proving reliable, but insists that it’s just outright speed they lack.
“We have a very good understanding of the power unit and how to use the ERS, but at the moment outright pace is something we need to work on.
“At the moment we’re not quick enough, but that’s always going to be the case when you’ve still got the launch car.”
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