McLaren Honda
McLaren stand-in driver Kevin Magnussen says that the squad's expectations for this weekend's Australian Grand Prix are low after a difficult pre-season.
McLaren's Honda-powered MP4-30 endured several problems across testing, with track time limited as the squad rectified issues.
Magnussen is standing in for Fernando Alonso, who suffered a concussion during a crash on the final day of the second test.
"I would say quite low," Magnussen said when asked about McLaren's ambitions. "We’re struggling obviously with reliability, making the car run for a long time.
"But this is a new start for McLaren, a new start in many ways and I think it’s going to take time. But I think it’s the right direction that the team has chosen to go and I think it has a bright future ahead. But I think it’s going to take time but I’m sure they’ll get there."
Magnussen's comments were echoed by team-mate Jenson Button.
"I do know it’s going to be a tough start but it’s also very different," said Button, a three-time winner in Australia.
"The last two years have not been the easiest seasons for us, but I think the difference with this year is the understanding that there could be something very special on the horizon with McLaren Honda.
"With the new partnership I think the whole team is unbelievably excited about what could happen in the future, but we also understand that there’s a lot of work needed before we even start thinking too much about winning races, even podiums and fighting for the world championship."
