Jenson Button says the sort of accident that took him out of the British Grand Prix is more likely to happen “when you're starting so far back”, with the McLaren-Honda driver retiring after three corners at Silverstone.
– British GP: Hamilton wins thrilling Silverstone race
Following another tough qualifying session, the 2009 world champion lined up a lowly 18th on the grid and was caught up in the opening lap melee, which involved the two Lotus and both MP4-30s, and triggered an early Safety Car period.
“It looks like there was two cars having a bit of an incident on the apex of Turn 3,” said Button. “Fernando (Alonso) tried to miss them and I think he lost the rear and just clipped my rear tyre. The impact turned the car off. The engine was not running so I obviously stopped.
“When you’re starting so far back, there’s the chance that this happens. I’m surprised this has not happened more often really. Incidents are a lot easier at the back of the grid because you come up on cars, with the closing speed and everything in corners, so it’s going to happen until we find the pace.”
Button’s retirement means he extends his series of non-podium finishes on home soil to 16, though this would have been a near-miracle for the Briton to break his duck this year considering his team’s current level of performance.
“The crowd has been amazing. Seeing people clapping and cheering after my race, which was three corners, it’s such a nice atmosphere – very special – and I wish I could have done more into my home crowd.”
Button and McLaren-Honda’s silver lining came from team-mate Alonso finally securing his maiden 2015 championship point with 10th at the chequered flag.
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