Button pays tribute to Honda team

The team deserve this - they've worked so hard but we're finally here Britain's Jenson Button

Britain's Jenson Button credited the rest of his Honda team after claiming his maiden Formula One victory at the Hungarian Grand Prix on Sunday.

Honda's management helped set up the win with some shrewd decisions on refuelling and tyre change tactics.

"The strategy was fantastic and everyone on the team has done a great job this weekend," said Button.

"We've been a real thinking team. We've thought hard and won the race not just through speed but through strategy."

Report: BBC Radio Five Live's David Croft

Interview: Honda's Jenson Button

Button worked to a three-stop strategy, and then moved onto dry weather tyres after 55 laps to help him cruise to victory by more than 30 seconds.

"We made a great choice on the tyres and also on the last pit-stop," said Button.

"We haven't just gone out there and had the best car and won the race, we've thought hard about the strategy.

"It's nice to see we've got a car that can win races.

"And the team deserve this, they've been working so hard and it's taken so many years to get here but we're finally here.

"I have got to say thanks to everyone back in the UK because they have never lost faith in me."

No-one is counting the races any more. It's done and done in what a way, it was just devastating. Jenson Button's father John

The 26-year-old said the final few laps of the race had been particularly pleasurable as he moved comfortably clear of his rivals.

"Normally when you are in the lead I suppose it goes on forever but I was loving it," said Button.

"I had a 40-second lead and I did not want it to end.

"It was the best feeling knowing you were on your way home to winning your first Grand Prix."

Button's father, John, who has supported his son trackside throughout his career, said: "It seems to have taken so long in Formula One.

"He has won lots of races before but it did seem a long, long time.

"That's all gone. It is all history - no-one is counting the races any more. It's done and done in what a way, it was just devastating. I couldn't believe the lap times."

Honda team boss Nick Fry added: "I really did feel from Jenson's point of view, 'you showed them'.

"There have been so many people over the years who have said he is a wonderfully smooth driver, which he is, but can't overtake.

"I think that has been totally unfair and he has demonstrated that. To go from 14th on the grid to fourth in seven laps showed them."