Lando Norris has indicated that he and McLaren do not currently have the car to fight for the Formula 1 world title, in a frank assessment of the team's competitiveness.
The British driver is reported to have said that the team has been unable to match the outright pace of its main rivals over recent races, despite strong efforts from engineers at the factory.
The remarks will be seen as a realistic appraisal of McLaren's position rather than a concession, with the team still regularly fighting near the front of the field.
Small margins have defined the season, with qualifying gaps of a few hundredths of a second often deciding grid positions and, in turn, race results.
“Honesty about where you stand is the first step to closing the gap, and the team knows exactly what it needs to find.”
McLaren has introduced a series of upgrades in an attempt to close the gap, though the impact has varied from circuit to circuit depending on track layout and conditions.
“Drivers know better than anyone when the car is not quite there, and it is healthier to say so than to pretend otherwise,” said one motorsport analyst.
A team spokesperson said work was continuing on development at the Woking base and that the squad remained focused on maximising points at every round.
Rivals have also been pushing their own upgrade programmes, meaning any gains made by McLaren must outstrip those elsewhere to make a meaningful difference.
Formula 1 seasons can shift quickly, however, and teams have in the past found significant performance in the second half of a campaign as engineers gain a better understanding of their cars and how to set them up for different tracks.
With several races still to come, the team will aim to secure the strongest possible championship positions while laying foundations for next season.
