This was McLaren’s worst qualifying display in Australia for five years; not
since 2008 had they suffered the indignity of seeing both drivers outside
the top four. The race was scarcely more auspicious as Button was cut adrift
by the relentless Kimi Raikkonen, while young Mexican team-mate Sergio Pérez
toiled forlornly among the back-markers.
“In these difficult days, it is important that we make the best of it,” Button
argued. “Everyone is quite down, because the team are used to winning. I
have been winning grands prix for four years.
“You don’t enjoy it but you have to have bad times and we must do what we can
to get out of this. There have been non-stop meetings and discussions –
there is an understanding that it is not OK. We know there are fundamental
things that we have to change. We are doing everything we can to improve.”
Principal Whitmarsh, cutting a haggard figure on the pit lane wall, conceded
that it might be unrealistic to expect McLaren to have solved all their
problems by the time they arrive at Sepang later this week. “We will be
working incredibly hard in the next few days as we have a lot to learn about
the car,” he said. “It isn’t good enough and it isn’t it a good feeling. I
am sure we will get it right, even if that might not be as quickly as I
would like.”
At least Lewis
Hamilton manifestly delighted with fifth place in his maiden race
for Mercedes, sounded optimistic. The contrast with the fortunes of McLaren,
whom he so controversially abandoned six months ago, could hardly be
escaped.
“It is far better than we ever expected in the first race of the season,” said
the 28-year-old, who had an opportunity to win before tyre degradation
forced him to take his second pit stop early. “The car has made a
significant step forward and we have a great platform to work from.”