Balance issues prevented McLaren drivers Jenson Button and Fernando Alonso from progressing into the top ten shootout for the Russian Grand Prix, with the duo eventually settling for 12th and 14th on the grid respectively.
After a relatively competitive weekend for the Woking-based outfit, hopes were high that a top ten result would be achievable.
Although Alonso managed to end Q1 within the top ten, the duo eventually missed out with only several tenths between those who were knocked out and those who managed to progressed to the all-important top ten shootout.
McLaren has yet to progress into the top ten shootout since their partnership with Honda was rekindled last season.
Despite missing out on the top ten, Button is remaining hopeful that he can score points in tomorrow’s race, after out-qualifying team-mate Alonso for the first time this season.
“We were so close to getting into Q3 today – we had a good shot at it but ended up a tenth off,” explained Button after the qualifying session.
“In fact, it was so close that we were just two tenths off eighth position in Q2 – and despite the balance not being quite there.
“I think both Fernando [Alonso] and I struggled with the handling – the car was understeering, which is difficult to resolve.
“There’s a tipping point at which, when you dial in more front-wing, the balance suddenly shifts from under- to oversteer – so we were being cautious in qualifying.”
Whilst Button blamed balance issues for McLaren’s inability to progress through to the top ten shootout, team-mate Alonso still feels that the Woking-based outfit are missing a vital couple of tenths which would enable them to overtake their direct rivals.
“The lap-times at the end of Q2 were very tight – the difference between 14th position and a place in Q3 was just two tenths. And, sadly, we’re at the back of that group,” said Alonso.
“But that’s the way it is – I still feel that we’re missing the couple of tenths that would massively help us to overtake some of the other cars in this very competitive midfield group.
“While we weren’t in luck today, I definitely think we’ve shown ourselves to more competitive this weekend, and I hope we can recover tomorrow and fight for some points.”
