Eric Boullier says that McLaren Honda's worst days are behind it and that early indications point to a significant step forward in performance is already in the cards.
The Woking outfit's team principal believes that a series of engine revisions implemented by Honda as well as encouraging wind tunnel figures for its 2016 challenger have provided an impetus for improvement which will extract the McLaren Honda partnership from the doldrums.
Speaking to Motorsport.com, Boullier said the British team's resources and expertise have absolutely nothing to envy to Mercedes.
"They have brilliant engineers, brilliant mechanics, a brilliant car, a brilliant engine, and brilliant drivers," conceded Boullier. "It is tough to beat them.
“We have the same I think: we have the best mechanics, the best engineers, and the best drivers – but still not the best car and still not the best engine. So we need to work on these last two ones.
"We had to change the philosophy of McLaren itself to bring back the performance on track. But we also had to change engine partner, because you cannot beat the world champion if you are a customer – it is impossible."
Boullier insisted in spite of its underperformance and dismal results that both McLaren and Honda remain committed to their mutual goal of establishing the partnership as a dominant force in Formula 1.
"The path to go with another engine manufacturer to be a works team was absolutely the way to go. The commitment Honda showed us, the facilities they have in Japan, clearly, you cannot ignore that. This is exactly what we are looking for.
"It is true that the marriage came a little bit earlier than was ideal, but we had to do it and jump off of the cliff anyway.
"So, yes we have had to take huge pain, and it has been very painful, but I believe from next year already we will be much more competitive. And then you are back to the real race on track."
The Frenchman refused to predict a race win for next year however, insisting simply on his certainly that the team's performance level will increase several notches.
"I know next year's car is already better than the car we have on track now. So next year will be another step where we will be performing more," Boullier concluded.
"Everything is going to be better. But I am not talking about podiums or specific results – I am just saying we will be more competitive."
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