MCLAREN’S JENSON Button has claimed he has ‘unfinished business’ at the Monaco Grand Prix after finishing third in the principality in 2011.
Button took the last spot on the podium last year but believes he could have won but for a red flag that stopped the race.
The break allowed eventual winner Sebastian Vettel of Red Bull and Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso, the only drivers ahead of Button at the time, to change their worn out tyres.
That arguably made the difference as the pair stayed ahead of Button for the rest of the race, denying him the second win of his career at Monaco.
The 32-year-old Brit hopes to make up for that result in Sunday’s Monaco Formula One GP.
“I remember last year having a fantastic car beneath me and feeling really confident that I could challenge for the win,” Button said on Tuesday.
As it happened, circumstances beyond our control worked to pull that opportunity away from us, but I go back to Monte-Carlo with a little bit of unfinished business.”
McLaren have 15 victories at Monaco, which is more than any other F1 team.
Martin Whitmarsh, McLaren’s team principal, is ‘incredibly proud’ of that record and has thrown his support behind Button for Sunday’s race.
“He will be determined to set the record straight after losing a victory in 2011 that many felt he rightfully deserved,” Whitmarsh said.
While driving for Brawn in 2009, Button won at Monaco, which he still considers a special experience.
“My win at Monaco in 2009 remains one of my favourite victories in Formula One,” Button said.
Monte-Carlo is a place where every driver wants to win, but achieving it is so satisfying because you know you’ve conquered one of the toughest circuits in motorsport.”
Button’s McLaren team-mate Lewis Hamilton, who is currently third overall in the F1 drivers’ standings, has hinted he will not chase victory with an all-or-nothing attitude.
“Despite pushing for the win, consistency and scoring decent points is currently the most sensible way to tackle this world championship,” Hamilton said.
“I’ve scored points at every race, and I’m only eight points off the lead of the championship.
“That’s a really encouraging statistic and it’s reassuring to see my approach is paying off.”
