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SILVERSTONE, England (Reuters) - Jenson Button's British Grand Prix jinx continued on Sunday when the McLaren driver retired from his home race after a pitstop blunder while chasing a possible podium finish.
The 2009 world champion, who pitted 12 laps from the finish, was inadvertently cleared to leave the pitlane before the right front wheelnut had been secured.
With the wheel wobbling off, Button pulled over at the pitlane exit and parked up the car before walking back to the garages.
"The guy on the front right lost a wheel nut and he went to get another one but as he turned I think the
lipop man thought we were good to go," he said.
"I'm sorry for the fans that we couldn't do better because there was definitely a podium (to be had). This seems to be the way of it at British Grands Prix for me, but I'll try again next year."
Button has never stood on the Formula One podium at Silverstone in 12 attempts. His best previous result there was fourth place last year and in 2004.
The Briton had been second in the championship before Sunday's race, 77 points behind Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel, and slipped to fifth place, 95 off the lead.
"We all make mistakes and you always hope they won't happen, but it's even more disappointing because it's in front of my home crowd," he said of the error.
"I was really enjoying the race, I had a good couple of battles out there, and the pace was very good. It was all looking pretty sweet."
Team principal Martin Whitmarsh agreed that Button, who was chasing fourth place at the time, could have caught the two Red Bull drivers who ended up second and third.
"I can't say 'yes he would have been on the podium' but I think he could have got on to it. He drove a fantastic race...I think he would have been in a good position to attack (Red Bull's Mark) Webber."
Whitmarsh defended the pit crew, pointing out the immense pressure the individuals were under and the hours they were working, and said the mechanic concerned could be assured of his and the team's support.
"We mustn't be too hard on individuals," he said. "I know he's being very hard on himself right now. You can imagine, you can pinpoint it.
"Often when something goes wrong you can't but this is an unfortunate one that can be pinpointed on an individual who is doing his best."
(Editing by Clare Fallon)
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The 2009 world champion, who pitted 12 laps from the finish, was inadvertently cleared to leave the pitlane before the right front wheelnut had been secured.
With the wheel wobbling off, Button pulled over at the pitlane exit and parked up the car before walking back to the garages.
"The guy on the front right lost a wheel nut and he went to get another one but as he turned I think the
lipop man thought we were good to go," he said."I'm sorry for the fans that we couldn't do better because there was definitely a podium (to be had). This seems to be the way of it at British Grands Prix for me, but I'll try again next year."
Button has never stood on the Formula One podium at Silverstone in 12 attempts. His best previous result there was fourth place last year and in 2004.
The Briton had been second in the championship before Sunday's race, 77 points behind Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel, and slipped to fifth place, 95 off the lead.
"We all make mistakes and you always hope they won't happen, but it's even more disappointing because it's in front of my home crowd," he said of the error.
"I was really enjoying the race, I had a good couple of battles out there, and the pace was very good. It was all looking pretty sweet."
Team principal Martin Whitmarsh agreed that Button, who was chasing fourth place at the time, could have caught the two Red Bull drivers who ended up second and third.
"I can't say 'yes he would have been on the podium' but I think he could have got on to it. He drove a fantastic race...I think he would have been in a good position to attack (Red Bull's Mark) Webber."
Whitmarsh defended the pit crew, pointing out the immense pressure the individuals were under and the hours they were working, and said the mechanic concerned could be assured of his and the team's support.
"We mustn't be too hard on individuals," he said. "I know he's being very hard on himself right now. You can imagine, you can pinpoint it.
"Often when something goes wrong you can't but this is an unfortunate one that can be pinpointed on an individual who is doing his best."
(Editing by Clare Fallon)
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