The British driver had headed in to the Red Bull Ring weekend aware that there was a chance he would face the same kind of engine change penalty as his team-mate Fernando Alonso.

Following engineering meetings by McLaren and Honda personnel on Friday night, it has been decided that the full power unit assembly will be replaced.

That will mean a 25-place grid penalty for Button – which will be impossible for him to take.

It means for the second race in succession, following a similar engine change in Canada, Button will face a pit penalty in the race.

Alonso has a 20-place grid penalty which will also likely mean a drive-through penalty.

Better news to come

After a tough two weekends for McLaren, Button is hopeful that the next few events will deliver some improvements for the team as it bids to move forwards.

“It should be better,” he said. “Hungary is probably the highlight for the next five or six races. It's not as slow as Silverstone, with the style of corners it will suit us pretty well.

“Silverstone is a step forward from Canada, in terms of pace. Forgetting the issues we have in Canada, this weekend will be tough, but it should be positive and enjoyable.

“You want to be at the front but if you cannot be at the front then you want to race and fight. We were not able to do that in Canada and it will be like that here.”