Button frustrated by opening lap

The Briton was starting from fifth but dropped down the order after a poor getaway and was then stuck in traffic for some laps.

Button climbed up to third position in the end and was happy with the result, but the McLaren driver, who opted to stop just three times, admitted he was frustrated by his first lap.

"The first lap was a disaster," said Button. "I got a pretty poor start and three or four cars came past and braking on Turn 1, then cars went wide and the same at Turn 3. It was a frustrating first lap and then initially I could not overtake the cars in front.

"Once we were up to speed the pace was good. It was a fun race after lap one and it's great to get on the podium.

"It proves the job we have done with the team and the strategy, so I am happy with the result but it would be interesting to see what would have happened if I did not have issues at the start."

Button said his decision to stop three times, in contrast with all his rivals who opted for four pitstops, was a "no-brainer".

"As soon as I knew we were on that strategy I was happy looking at what people were doing. For me to do three stops was a no-brainer really, and it worked out pretty well in the end."

The McLaren driver was one of four men under investigation for having ignored yellow flags during the race, but he refused to discuss the mater.

"Not something to be talked about here, in race situation you see yellow flags and you back off. And I guess Lewis did the same."