McLaren’s pointless run at the start of the 2015 Formula 1 season came to an end in Sunday’s Monaco Grand Prix as Jenson Button crossed the line in eighth place to secure his first top-ten finish since the 2014 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Since switching to Honda power units for 2015, McLaren has encountered a number of problems with its new car, the MP4-30, that has limited its running and ability to score points.
The team had another issue in the race on Sunday as Fernando Alonso was forced to retire after 41 laps due to a gearbox problem, parking his car up at the first corner from running in tenth place.
Button managed to stay within the top ten, though, in spite of a late safety car period, eventually crossing the line in eighth place for the team’s first points of the season.
First points of the season for us with Jenson! Impressive the progress of the team so far! A lot to do, but very proud! #StepByStep
— Fernando Alonso (@alo_oficial) May 24, 2015
Jenson to Pit: “It was a good effort this weekend. Good points. Hopefully this will lead to better things.” #MonacoGP
— McLaren (@McLarenF1) May 24, 2015