McLaren CEO Zak Brown has stated the Woking-based squad has not retained its position at the head of the pecking order at the start of F1's new era.
F1 has been subject to a significant regulation shift this year with changes to both the power units and aerodynamics.
The teams have been putting their cars through their paces in Bahrain across the week as they collect data ahead of the new season.
McLaren enter the campaign hoping to defend its double championship success from last year - but Brown asserted it does not see itself as the fastest team.
“We've produced a good car, we'll be in the big four,” Brown told media including RacingNews365.
“I don't think we're at the front of the big four.”
With the regulations still being so fresh, there is likely untapped potential across the entire grid - making car development a key element to this year's championship fight.
“It's going to be a long season with a lot of development,” confirmed Brown.
“We're still learning, but I think we are in a good, good starting position. The red guys and the silver guys are looking very strong.
“I don't think we've seen everything yet at Red Bull, but we're definitely in the top four.”
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