Button says McLaren's staggering pace is 'kick in the balls' for champion Vettel

London, Apr 14(ANI): McLaren's ace driver Jenson Button believes their astonishing speed has come as 'kick in the balls' for aggravated world champion Sebastian Vettel.

Button vowed to do that again on a consistent basis, as he has seemingly cleansed the ruinous last round in the Malaysian Grand Prix from his memory, and is confident to make amends in Sunday's Chinese Grand Prix.

Two-times reigning F1 champion Vettel's start to the season hasn't been as per his expectations, as he hasn't won a single race this year.

"It is something he has been very good at, but he hasn't been on the front row yet this year. It is a big kick in the balls for him," The Daily Mirror quoted Button, as saying.

Button also defended himself over critics' barbs that he had not beaten teammate Lewis Hamilton to pole since he joined McLaren two-and-a-half years ago.

"Lewis was uncatchable in the first two races but there are another 18 to go. I'd rather win the world championship than the pole position world championship, but I still aim for pole," he said.

"I don't sit back and relax wanting to be second. It would be nice to get pole, but if I don't score one at all and win the world championship I'd still be pretty happy with that," he added. (ANI)