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McLaren mechanic who caused Button's retirement at Monaco has kept his job

The McLaren mechanic who was at fault for Jenson Button's retirement at the Monaco GP on Sunday has kept his job, according to team boss Martin Whitmarsh.

Button was forced to retire with an engine failure after the mechanic forgot to remove a cooling bung from one of his car's sidepods on the grid.

Whitmarsh said the mechanic was "devastated", but he would remain with the team despite his error.

"When you are trying to do your best and you make a mistake it is devastating," he said.

Button's engine failure meant he lost the lead of the world championship to Mark Webber and slipped down to fourth in the standings. The reigning world champion was initially angry at the error, but accepted that mistakes happen.

"I'm sure the guy who did not pull it out is gutted," he said. "I feel sorry for the guy. We all make mistakes."

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