McLaren team principal Martin Whitmarsh has defended drivers Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button after criticism from Ron Dennis.

Dennis admitted to feeling "slightly infuriated" about comments from the world champion duo following recent qualifying sessions as they have made it clear they are not happy with the car's lack of pace over one lap.

That, however, was underlined today ahead of Sunday's Hungarian Grand Prix as Hamilton qualified fifth, but was light years away in Formula One terms, finishing 1.7seconds behind Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel.

As for Button, he bemoaned the lack of grip from his tyres and will start 11th after failing to make it out of Q2 for the second time in the last three grands prix.

Reflecting on Dennis' remarks, Whitmarsh, who took over the reins ahead of the start of last season, said: "We all know Ron is an absolute racer.

"He is a real competitive individual who has enormous pride in the team. He knows how hard everyone is working.

"He made some observations, but the important thing is we've two great racing drivers.

"They don't always get it right, nor does the team. It's that old saying 'we race as a team, win as a team, lose as a team'.

"We're not here to apportion blame, but we're not as quick, particularly in qualifying, as the Red Bulls, and now the Ferraris.

"That is duly acknowledged. It has certainly been acknowledged by me.

"I don't think either driver has been complaining. They have been stating the facts as they are.

"We've been playing catch up, and although we've made good progress with the car, it's not been as much as we would like.

"The drivers have reflected that, and I've openly reflected that as well."

Rival boss Christian Horner admitted to being "quite surprised" at hearing Dennis' remarks, and that "he sounds pretty grumpy at the moment."

Horner added: "We've won five races so far which is more than any other team, but the McLaren drivers have done an excellent job in getting consistent results."