Button is replacing Fernando Alonso at McLaren this weekend as the Spaniard competes in the Indianapolis 500.

The 2009 world champion, who had not driven the 2017 car before practice on Thursday, qualified ninth but will start from the back of the grid due to a penalty after suffering engine problems.

While Button is unsure he has been able to take his car to the limit so far, the Briton admitted he is having much more fun than last year around the streets of Monte Carlo.

"I think Q2 was where I could feel the car a lot more, but I don't know," said Button. "All I know is that I went a lot faster than I did last year and it was a lot more fun as well.

"I must say that I was a little disappointed when I heard about the new regulations in terms of weight of the car going up, but this is the toughest circuit for a heavy car and it is very nimble around here.

"It's so much fun to drive. It really is, and Formula 1 has definitely moved in the right direction with the regulations.

"I think it's very exciting for the teams also to find big chunks of speed and laptime and downforce. I think that's the way F1 should be."

The McLaren driver reckons the tyres are an area where Formula 1 is still lacking, however, as he struggled to get Pirelli's ultrasofts up to temperature.

"I still believe the tyres are very difficult. I'm pushing flat out for two laps after I exit the pits to get the tyre temperature to start my timed lap and I still have shuddering on the front tyres on the ultrasoft in 25 degrees heat, 53 degrees track.

"I don't get that, and I don't think I'm the only one who feels that way."

Done with F1

Button made it clear he has no plans to do any more Formula 1 races after his Monaco outing, which he admitted was hard to turn down.

"I was [done with F1] in November. But I think if any of you were asked to race in Monaco, you would, right?

"It's definitely not the plan for me to race again this year in Formula 1. In other categories possibly yes, but not in Formula 1.

"I've got my own things I'm enjoying away from the sport at the moment and I need to fully focus on them to achieve what I want to achieve."