Jenson Button still believes McLaren-Honda's package has the potential to challenge Mercedes at the front of the grid once it is fully developed.
McLaren has struggled to challenge for points, let alone podiums, since Honda's return as engine supplier and is anticipating another tricky race in Austria this weekend. The car has been unreliable and is noticeably down on power compared to its rivals, but has a unique turbo layout within the power unit that has allowed tighter packaging at the rear.
When the car comes good, Button believes it will put McLaren back at the front of the grid.
"I still think the concept of the engine and the way that it's packaged is fantastic," he said. "Obviously we're having issues now but when they are solved I think we will be in a great place to challenge at the front and to challenge Mercedes.
"In terms of the car, yes it's a good car but it's not a winning car, yet. So there's still a lot of work needed with the car to improve, to have it even as a podium car, I think. So that's why these big upgrades are coming all the time and every race we're bringing something."
McLaren's speed of development means only Fernando Alonso will run updates this weekend as the team could not manufacturer enough for both cars to use them.
"When you're in our position you have to just keep fighting, bringing stuff to every race. If we were at the front now, this package wouldn't be on the car because it's only on one side of the garage; it would always be fair and on both sides. But because of the way it is, we need to bring everything we can.
"I think it's a great way to go racing right now, it has to be this way for us and it's been like that all the way through the year. We've shared it out very well and it will continue like that I think for the next few races."