How did it ever come to this? Barely three months ago Whitmarsh had spoken passionately of the prospects for this year’s car, the MP4-28, and yet for the fifth race in succession McLaren's Jenson Button and Sergio Perez looked to be dismally off the pace as they trailed in 12th and 13th in yesterday’s standings. It might be an affront to their entire ethos but McLaren, with 15 constructors’ titles to their name, have suddenly been rendered a midfield team.