McLaren hype has come back to bite - Button

Jenson Button says McLaren's self-made hype around their car has put a negative slant on their performances in 2018. While they were struggling with the Honda power unit, McLaren often claimed to have the best chassis in Formula 1, although a switch to Renault power has suggested that is not the case.

Although Fernando Alonso has scored points at every grand prix this season - only Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel can say likewise - McLaren remain off the pace and are yet to get into Q3 at a race this season.

The Renault works team and Red Bull have had no such pace issues, with Daniel Ricciardo taking a race win in Shanghai - something McLaren look far from matching at the moment, despite pre-season claims that they would be challenging for podiums and victories in 2018.

Button spent eight seasons with the team following his world championship win with Brawn in 2009, gradually falling further down the grid as the team's fortunes have faded.

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And the 15-time grand prix winner believes McLaren made a rod for their own back by predicting grand successes, which they have not followed through on.

"The three big teams, it's difficult to challenge them at the moment and it's going to take a while," Button told Sky Sports.

"McLaren came out last year and this year and said they think they might have the best car.

"It's a tall order to have the best car in Formula 1 when you're racing against Ferrari and Mercedes and Red Bull. And I think we've seen that isn't the case.

"So you'd say the season so far is a disappointment but if they didn't say they had the best car you'd say it's a great season for them.

"They've made good steps, they're fourth in the constructors' standings, but because of what they said at the start of the year you say maybe it's not what we expected."