Button says distraction of future plans spoiled Monza race
Jenson Button says that he had a scrappy first lap in the Italian Grand Prix because his weekend preparation had been compromised by the announcement of his future plans.
The Briton announced over the weekend that he will not be racing next year, instead taking on another role at the team while Stoffel Vandoorne races.
Button got away badly and then was pushed wide at the Lesmo corner in an incident that was not captured on the live TV broadcast.
He eventually recovered to 12th place, passing McLaren teammate Fernando Alonso along the way.
"The first lap was a mess, and I made a few mistakes that I shouldn't have," said Button. "But I think hopefully I can be let off for that, it's been an emotional weekend, and not the best preparation at all. Once I got the first lap out of the way, I sorted myself.
"I made a right pig's ear of the start, just sat there wheelspinning, it was totally my fault. It was annoying because the initial getaway was good.
"Then through Lesmo I got pushed off by one of the Saubers, he just drove me straight off the circuit. I ended up in the gravel trap and last, and I thought this is going to be a tough afternoon."
Button said he enjoyed his recovery drive.
"To come through and finish 12th, it's not great, but to be that close to 11th I don't think is too bad from last place on the first lap."
Button believes that the McLaren Honda package will be more competitive in Singapore.
"Singapore will definitely suit us a bit more. I think we still struggle with traction, but it will definitely suit us better than here, this is our toughest circuit of the year, and to be that close to the top 10, I don't think is too horrific.
"I think we're still down [on power] quite a bit, but there are improvements all the time and that's all we can wish for and hope for.
"We're racing against the best teams in the world so it does take time, we're not suddenly going to find 30kW or whatever."
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