Britain’s 2009 Formula One world champion Jenson Button admits he has no idea what to expect from the new McLaren-Honda MP4-30 this season after a difficult start to the campaign at the first pre-season test in Jerez.
McLaren has joined forces with the Japanese manufacturer once more after a 22-year absence, but the incorporation of a new power unit has proved troublesome as Button and teammate Fernando Alonso have logged just six laps each on the opening two days of testing.
“In terms of understanding our performance, we’re still at zero – we don’t know where we are,” said the 35-year-old Button.
“You come into the first test thinking you will have issues and try to solve them. That’s what testing is all about.
“We are not going to be setting the world alight with lap times or laps on the circuit. Hopefully, we’ll get to the first race and we’ll be competitive, but we don’t know where we stand right now.”
McLaren’s slow start came after Button’s wait until December to find out if he would have a seat for a 15th consecutive season in F1, eventually edging out last season’s teammate Kevin Magnussen for the right to partner Alonso.
Button managed just the one podium in a disappointing 2014, but believed there was more reason to be optimistic this year.
“There is no reason for my spirits not to be high. I’m with a great team, a great partnership and there is a lot to look forward to.
“I’m not going to give you figures or positions that we’ll finish in certain races or the championship because none of us know.”
Button believes the veteran pairing can work together harmoniously to make McLaren a contender again.
“Fernando is a double world champion. He’s been around almost as long as I have in the sport, racing for many different teams and you pick up so many things along the way.
“That is such a great source of information when you have a new power unit in the car.
“It’s a massive benefit for this team having us two here and I’ve always said I want the best guy to be alongside me. I’ve always said I’d love Fernando as a teammate and here we are now. I feel we’ll work very well together.”
