Button: Points making us work harder

After a troubled start to the campaign, Button delivered an eighth-place finish on the streets of Monte Carlo to prove that McLaren was moving forward.

But rather than feel a sense of relief about the result, Button thinks that it has put a focus on how much more the team needs to do in terms of performance and reliability.

"Getting points on the board has been really positive and shows that we're continuing to make big strides," Button said ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix.

"But, if anything, it's spurred us on even more to keep pushing until we reach where we want to be.

"Fernando [Alonso] hasn't had much luck in the last few races so we all need to keep our heads down and keep fighting to make sure we get both cars to the flag.

"The Circuit Gilles Villeneuve requires good top speed, so we can't underestimate the challenge, but anything can happen there – and usually does – so we'll be getting stuck in right from the word go."

Reliability not good enough

Alonso has retired from the last two races and racing director Eric Boullier believes that non-finishes are not acceptable.

He also says that just getting in to the points is not enough, as the team bids to eventually get back to winning ways.

"Of course, we can't be pleased with eighth position, and we're still a long way behind where we want to be," he said.

"Nonetheless, I'm proud of our progress and the rate of development we're maintaining, and we're continuing this push with every grand prix.

"Although I don't like to dwell on the past too much, comparing the pre-season tests with our current performance shows just how hard we've worked to fight towards the front.

"Our more promising performances have been scuppered by frustrating technical issues though, most recently on Fernando's side of the garage, so we're working hard to iron these out so that we can really see the potential of both cars and keep developing.

"We must target improved reliability and consistency in order to achieve our maximum potential."

Although McLaren is expecting a tough time in Montreal, because of the track characteristics, hopes are high of a step forward in Austria with the outfit scheduled to bring a major aerodynamic upgrade package.