It was just more of the same for Jenson Button and McLaren Honda in Japan on Sunday following another disappointing under performance and lackluster result.
McLaren-Honda's power deficit frustratingly remains at the lowest end of the specter for its frustrated drivers. And Button, on one of his favourite circuits, spent his entire race doing battle way down the order in another difficult day at the office
"The first two stints were actually all right as we were at least racing other cars," Button said. "And then Ericsson got past me on my last pit stop which messed up my race really because I was quicker and had a better tyre, but I couldn't overtake him."
"I could see Fernando up front, and we seemed to be closing on him but at soon as all the other cars came out of the pits and started chasing me down, I couldn't do anything to keep them behind because they were so much faster than me on the straights."
The despondent McLaren driver eventually drifted down to sixteenth where he saw the checkered flag.
"In front of a home crowd, we wanted to do something special here which was always going to be difficult. We're doing our best and just have to keep our heads down and remain focused. But it was a tough weekend for the whole team and especially for Honda."
Button's rather measured attitude when assessing his performance clearly contrasted with Fernando Alonso's very vocal criticism during the race of his power unit, which he labeled no better than a 'GP2 engine'.
"We have a lot of work to do," Button reiterated. "It is so tough for us because we are used to fighting at the front. We are so used to fighting, whereas now it is not fighting. It is like a samurai fighting without his armour and sword!"
Regardless of whether he remains with McLaren next season or not, Button admits the year is a write off and any meaningful progress will only be acknowledged, or not, in 2016.
"There is a massive amount the team can change for next year. It is not possible to change now the things we want to change. As soon as we step into next year, that is when you will know if the package makes a leap forward."
"And it has to because we are finding it tough as drivers and the team is finding it tough. We need to sit down and look at what is coming. I think it is positive but it will hurt for the rest of the season."
RACE REPORT: Hamilton eases to dominant Suzuka victory
AS IT HAPPENED: Japanese Grand Prix
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