Red Bulls still have edge, says Button

Jenson Button admits McLaren havesome work to do to match Red Bull (GETTY IMAGES)

Jenson Button believes Red Bull Racing still have the advantage over McLaren in terms of outright pace despite an improved showing by his team at last weekend's Turkish Grand Prix.

Button finished second to his McLaren team-mate Lewis Hamilton in Istanbul after a collision between the Red Bulls dropped Mark Webber to third place at the flag and eliminated Sebastian Vettel.

Until the incident on lap 40 the leading foursome had been running in close order, with McLaren showing improved pace. Button believes the advantage still lies with Webber, the title leader, and Vettel heading into next weekend's Canadian Grand Prix, but maintains his team will not become distracted by concerns over what the opposition is doing.

"We know that there's still a way to go to beat the Red Bulls on sheer pace," he said. "But while that's important, it's not a target that we're continually aiming at.

"We know they're quick, but it's more important for us to focus on what we're doing, and make sure we're performing at the limit. Qualifying pace is still something we're not entirely satisfied with, but we're pleased we appear to have closed the gap on Red Bull."

The reigning world champion revealed he has been impressed by the rate of development work undertaken at Woking since joining McLaren: "I'm really overwhelmed by how much this team can just keep developing."

Hamilton echoed Button's praise and revealed the mood in the camp is on a par with that of his title-winning campaign in 2008. "This is an incredible development machine – it never stops," said Hamilton, who is nine points behind Webber in the drivers' standings, and four shy of Button.