Following a disastrous San Marino Grand Prix, Jenson Button made a much talked about visit to his team's Brackley factory to give his colleagues a motivational boost, a pep talk.

Just a few days later, the Englishman was writing off his team's chances in the next race (European GP), claiming that other teams hade made bigger steps forward.

Following another dreadful weekend, this time in Monaco, and on the same day that organizers reveal that the British Grand Prix will be 'standing room only', the Englishman had not only dismissed any hope of challenging for a win, he does not believe Honda will be able to repeat the fourth place (teammate) Rubens Barrichello achieved in the Principality.

"The car isn't quick enough to challenge the top teams," said Button, according to the BBC.

Indeed, the Englishman is not only convinced that Silverstone will see Honda struggle, he believes the nightmare will continue.

"We don't expect to be fourth place from here on out," he admitted, "because we know we have a lot of work to do on the car if we are to do that. I don't think all our problems will be solved. We are not going to be challenging the Renaults, the McLarens or the Ferraris."

Having qualified thirteenth, Button struggled throughout the race, finishing a distant eleventh, and that, mainly due to the retirement of rivals such as Webber and Raikkonen.

"It was hard for me to do anything with the car. I had to stop a lot earlier than I wanted because the tyres were worn out. I took lots of front wing off at the stop and the car was much better but this was a race to forget for me."

If Honda is to get through this, and its workforce to remain motivated, now might be the time to stop Jenson talking to the media. Continuously rubbishing his team's chances, especially a fortnight before the race, is not going to do any good for team morale.