McLaren reserve driver Kevin Magnussen admits expectations are low at the team ahead of the Formula One season opener.
Reliability was a problem for McLaren, who are running a new Honda engine, during the pre-season.
Magnussen, who is racing at the Australian Grand Prix as Fernando Alonso recovers from a crash, said the team needed time.
"I'd say quite low [expectations]," he told a media conference on Thursday.
"We're struggling with reliability, obviously making the car run for a long time, but also I think this is a new start for McLaren and a new start in many ways and I think it's going to take time.
"I think it's the right direction the team has decided to go.
"I think it has a bright future. It's going to take time, but I feel we'll get there."