Jenson Button expects McLaren to be back fighting at the front of the Formula One grid in 2016 after enduring one of the worst seasons in their history.
Button has finished in the points on just three occasions this term, while his team-mate Fernando Alonso, who left Ferrari to join McLaren in the winter, has retired from eight races.
McLaren renewed their former title-winning partnership with Honda over the winter, but the Japanese manufacturer have desperately struggled on their return to the sport.
Yet an optimistic Button, who will begin his 17th campaign in the sport next season, believes McLaren will make great strides over the winter.
Speaking ahead of the Brazilian Grand Prix - the scene of his and McLaren's last victory three years ago - Button said: "Everyone knows McLaren and what they've achieved and it is still the same team.
"In terms of what we do on a race weekend, I think we're doing a very good job and we're getting the best out of what we have.
"The issues for us are, as I've said before, it's a lot younger - our project - than others, so it does take time and obviously during a season it's very difficult to make changes.
"This winter is a very important one for us, to make those big changes and come out a lot stronger next year because we don't want to be where we are. We want to be fighting near the front.
"Whether we can win races or not, that's another question but I think we can at least fight at the front next year."
Button, 35, described his last outing in Mexico as "painful" after he started last on the grid and finished ahead of only the Manor duo of Alexander Rossi and Will Stevens in 14th.
But the Briton, who won his maiden title here in 2009, is hopeful of an improved showing at the famous Interlagos track.
"For me, coming here this year, it's obviously not going to be an easy weekend but it will be better than the last one definitely," he added.
"So I am looking forward to it and we'll get the maximum out of what we have, which is always what we do.
"We obviously need to make a big step next year - we know that - so it's going to be a long, hard winter, but an exciting one as well."
Source: PA
