Button refutes Aston Martin defence over Stroll trainer push

Former F1 World Champion Jenson Button has refuted Aston Martin's defence of Lance Stroll over his antics at the Qatar Grand Prix.

The Canadian driver drew criticism for his behaviour when falling at the first stage of qualifying at the Lusail International Circuit after he was caught shoving trainer Henry Howe on camera at the back of his garage.

Stroll's chance to put right his wrongs on-track was hampered by issues with his AMR23's brakes that limited his running in the sole practice session of the United States Grand Prix weekend to just two meaningful laps, backing up father and Team Owner Lawrence Stroll's claim that his son has been burden by misfortune.

A fifth Q1 elimination in a row followed in qualifying with the same fate befalling Fernando Alonso in the sister car and asked if Stroll's performances were solely down to bad luck, 2009 Drivers' champion Button told Sky Sports F1 during commentary: "Some of it is definitely being unlucky, this was another unlucky situation he found himself in.

"There's three things: one, maybe the performance isn't there, two, unlucky, but the big one for me is the off-track antics which I have a little bit of an issue with.

"As a racing driver, you get stressed in certain situations but you need to control that and have more respect for the team and the people you work with.

"I think he lost that a little bit at the last race, hopefully, he realises that and he has put it right."

Excuse doesn't fly with Button

Team Principal Mike Krack had likened the push to angry reactions from displeased footballers who often kick water bottles when leaving the pitch and asked whether Stroll's situation was the same, Button replied: "Not when it is a human being, no.

"Mike Krack also said that drivers need more respect - I understand in one way that the stress we are under and the cameras are always on them, but respect is more needed for the other people you are working with in the team.

"Hopefully he has realised that, I know it is tough, there is so much pressure on you and sometimes you can be forgiven for the way you act, but other times it is just not right."