McLaren Racing Director Eric Boullier has hailed Jenson Button as a “class act” and believes the Briton will not have lost any of his form when he returns to Formula 1 in Monaco next month.
McLaren confirmed on Friday that Button will make a one-off comeback to participate in the Monaco Grand Prix, due to Fernando Alonso’s clashing Indianapolis 500 commitments.
Button retired from Formula 1 at the end of 2016 but remained under contract at McLaren as an ambassador, and Boullier reckons his return is positive for all involved.
“I was truly delighted when Jenson accepted our suggestion that he race at Monaco instead of Fernando,” said Boullier.
“I know I speak on behalf of everyone at McLaren-Honda, and all our sponsor-partners and fans too, when I say that it’s great news for Jenson, for McLaren, for Honda, for our sponsor-partners, for Monaco, and for the sport of Formula 1.
“Jenson is a class act. He’s a superb driver – fast, smooth and precise – and he won’t have lost any of his competitive edge over the past few months.
“After all, he’s missed only a handful of Grands Prix since his last outing in Abu Dhabi in late November last year, and he’s as fit as a fiddle.
“Also, he’s always been good at Monaco. He’ll do a great job for us, I’m sure of that.”
Alonso will return to Formula 1 for the Canadian Grand Prix in June.
