Jenson Button says he is “massively surprised” at how Mercedes’ 2022 season is turning out – and predicted it would be “tricky” for them to come back.

Just four races into the 2022 campaign it is already looking like Mercedes’ championship hopes are beyond saving.

They are third in the Constructors’ Championship but the 36-point gap between themselves and second-placed Red Bull looks only likely to increase as the season goes on.

It has also been one of the worst starts to a season for Lewis Hamilton, who finds himself seventh in the standings, just four points ahead of his former team-mate Valtteri Bottas having crossed the line in 13th position last weekend.