JENSON BUTTON
MP4-27A-02
Started 6th
Finished 2nd
Fastest lap 1m19.719s (+0.994s, 13th)
Pitstops Two: laps 19 (3.26s) and 40 (2.31s) [Opt-Pri-Pri]
Points 68 (7h)
I had a really good race and really enjoyed myself out there. I made a good start, pulled off some good moves on both Nico [Hukenberg] and Michael [Schumacher] and had strong pace all afternoon.
Sebastian [Vettel]s pass was a pretty straightforward matter: the rules state that you cant go off the track to gain an advantage. The thing is, there would have been more opportunities for him before the end of the race as my rear tyres were damaged. Thats because I had to push hard to try and catch Fernando [Alonso], which meant I had nothing left for the end of the race. We pretty much ran out of rubber two laps before the chequer.
There are two strong positives to take away from today: firstly, although it proved very difficult to overtake, were right up there with Ferrari and Red Bull in terms of speed. Our upgrade package is working well: if we can sort out qualifying, were in the mix, and well have a really good chance of winning races this season.
Secondly, although theres previously been some negative talk about our pitstops, the boys did an unbelievable job today. My fastest stop was a 2.31sthe blink of an eye, and, Im told, the fastest pitstop in history. They were phenomenal and gave it absolutely everything todayall our effort is really paying off now.
Im already looking forward to Hungaryits a special place for me, and I feel really encouraged that we can have another great race next weekend.
LEWIS HAMILTON
MP4-27A-03
Started: 7th
Finished Retlap 56 (accident damage)
Fastest lap 1m20.091s (+1.366s, 19th)
Pitstops Three: laps 3 (5.60s) 31 (2.85s) and 47 (3.83s) [Opt-Pri-Pri-Opt]
Points 92 (5th)
My second-lap puncture was incredibly unfortunate: there was debris scattered across the full width of the track and I didnt have any option other than to drive straight through it. Whats more frustrating is that, at the time, I was the eighth car throughso to be the one to get the puncture is just cruel luck.
It was immediately clear that my car didnt feel the same after the puncture. However, after a few laps, I was able to adapt my driving style, and the car had good pace during the middle stint. However, with the damage to the rear, I think we were lucky to get that far, to be honest.
At least I was able to have some fun out on trackmy pace was good enough to be able to match the leaders during the middle stint. And thats encouraging for me, because we know our cars been genuinely quick this weekend. A big thank-you to everyone back at the factory for all their efforts to get a lot of new parts onto the car this weekendevery little bit helps, and we know theres even more in the pipeline.
Well put that pace in our pockets and take it to Hungary next weekend. Im back in the car in five days timeand thats the best possible news for me after a day like today.
MARTIN WHITMARSH
Team principal, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes
A great drive from Jenson todaya little frustrating to have started sixth, which meant he lost time at the start of the race [behind Hulkenberg and Schumacher], but he drove brilliantly to catch and battle the leaders.
He wasnt quite able to bridge the gap to Fernando because, frankly, we were saving fuel at that stage, his rear tyres had gone off a little bit because hed been behind the Ferrari for some time, and also because Fernandos never an easy driver to overtake. Indeed, Ferrari are doing a great job at the momentbut we know theyre beatable.
I think its important to place some of the credit for Jensons second place with our pitcrew: their second stop for Jenson was the fastest Formula 1 pitstop of all time, with a stationary time of just 2.31s. Thats quite unbelievable and not only a testament to our belief in the processes and equipment we put in place to improve our performance, but also to the commitment and determination of the guys on the ground to improve and refine their technique. Well done to everyone for a quite phenomenal achievement!
Lewis was incredibly unfortunate to be a victim of the Turn One debristhere wasnt anything he could have done to avoid it. Unfortunately, the puncture damaged the rear of his car, prompting us to monitor the data carefully to track all the vital signs. He had a good push in the middle of the race, but the car got worse and worse so it wasnt safe or sensible to keep him out there. Its a terribly disappointing conclusion to his 100th grand prix.
Looking ahead to Hungary next weekend, we know weve got a good car and a good recent track record therewe won in 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2011. Winning just before the shutdown is always positive because it provides you with great momentum across the summer break. The underlying news is that we were very competitive this afternoon in the Santander German Grand Prix. Theres a lot of races ahead and I think we can have some great results.
