Positive frame of mind lifts Button

After being t-boned by title rival Sebastian Vettel in Sunday’s Belgian Grand Prix when running second, Button was understandably dejected in the immediate aftermath.

The loss of 18 potential points means Button is now 35 adrift of McLaren team-mate and championship leader Lewis Hamilton and facing an uphill battle to retain the crown he won with Brawn GP last year.

But after a couple of hours contemplation, Button’s demeanour had changed dramatically, and now he will head to Monza for the Italian Grand Prix on September 12 in an ebullient mood.

“When I got out of my car and walked into my drivers’ room I said what happened had massively hurt my championship, and coming back from it would be very difficult,” said Button.

“But I was very down at that point. Looking at it now 35 points is still a lot, but it’s definitely still possible.

“I go to Monza positive I can have a good race. I have to work towards a race victory because if I get that it’s a very different atmosphere and a very different feeling for me.”