Jenson Button is convinced ailing McLaren will one day challenge the might of Mercedes, despite the two teams currently at opposite ends of the pace spectrum at present.
McLaren and new power-unit supplier Honda suffered abject humiliation in the season-opening grand prix in Australia this month.
The team were already without the services of big-name acquisition Fernando Alonso after the Spaniard sustained concussion in a testing accident in Barcelona.
Come the race, reserve Kevin Magnussen failed to even make it to the start line due to a power-unit issue that forced the young Dane to pull over on the formation lap.
At least Button saw the chequered flag, describing it at the time as "a small victory", albeit finishing two laps down on race-winner Lewis Hamilton in 11th and last place.
Despite McLaren's seemingly hopeless position heading into Sunday's Malaysian Grand Prix, a positive Button can see hope on the horizon.
"We're a hell of a long way behind, but I feel we have something we can mould into something very special in the future, which is very exciting," Button said.
"Being 1.5 seconds off the pace and knowing you've peaked with your package, that's got to hurt.
"Whereas at least we have a glimmer of hope we can possibly challenge Mercedes one day."
The one bonus for McLaren this weekend is Alonso is poised to return, pending a final medical check by the FIA at the Sepang International Circuit on Thursday.
Racing director Eric Boullier, for one, is happy to have the Spaniard back on board.
"He's raring to go, and I know he's been working hard behind the scenes to prepare himself for this weekend."
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