Button, though, believes it would be a mistake for McLaren to make changes at
the top, rejecting the theory that the team could lose their way in the
manner of rivals Williams.
“There is a good atmosphere and a belief in the team,” Button said. “We have
the resources that Williams don’t have as well. Money is king in a sport
like Formula
One. The same in football in a way. But it still needs to be managed
correctly.
“The management is good here. They’ve had a tough time of it this year and
everybody is quoting figures. It’s always going to be the case when you have
a difficult year. You’re going to look for someone to blame. But I think
they’ve come through it very well and I think they’re strong and going to do
a good job next year.”
Button added that McLaren’s terrible form had allowed them to explore
developmental paths they might not otherwise have explored ahead of the new
engine regulations next year.
“We’ve learnt a lot this year,” he said. “We’ve also [experimented] more than
normal. If you’re in a championship-fighting car you’re scared to get away
from the set-up you know. We’ve been places that we would never have thought
of in the past. That has really helped us.
“Everyone is excited about next year. Changes are great for everyone apart
from Red Bull.”
Button, who was on a flight back to London crammed with exhausted paddock
figures after the race on Sunday, added that he would throw himself into
preparations for 2014 in the next fortnight. “I’ve got simulator days, I
have a seat fitting, I have days with the engineers working on the
powertrain, the driveability. There is much more to play with than we’ve
ever had before,” the 33-year-old said. “It’s exciting. Kevin [Magnussen]
will be around for the next couple of weeks so it will be good to spend time
with him and it will be interesting for me to watch him in the simulator and
hear his feedback.”
Meanwhile, an announcement regarding the future of Mercedes
team principal Ross Brawn is expected this week as well as further
clarification regarding race seats for next season. Force
India’s British driver Paul di Resta appears increasingly vulnerable.