Despite a double points finish at the Hungaroring before the summer break, McLaren is well aware that the power and aerodynamic demands coming up at Spa-Francorchamps are much greater – which will expose any deficiencies it has to its rivals.

Honda is planning a new specification engine thanks to the use of some of its development tokens, and McLaren is likely to bring car upgrades too.

More work needed

However, Button knows that the team still has a lot of work to do before it can feel it is at a level it can be satisfied with.

“There is still a long way to go with the car, and every area we need to work on, “ explained Button. “If you look at Red Bull, it was very strong [in Hungary] and was not at the previous races.

“So either they made a good step forward or it showed the power is less important [at the Hungaroring] than other circuits.

“I think Spa is a very good test for us. It is a very good test for many other teams, to compare themselves with the lead cars. It is a fast circuit but it is also a circuit you need good aerodynamics for the high speed corners.

“It is a great circuit to compare yourself and we will have a good step forward on the power unit which is great. And in terms of the car we will see how it works.”