Jenson Button has admitted that McLaren are further away from competing for race wins this year because of the dominant start made by Mercedes.
The Woking-based outfit started the season with both drivers on the podium in Australia, but have failed to replicate that form since then.
After Spanish Grand Prix qualifying, he told reporters: "I think compared to the car that's on pole then yes I think we are further behind them than last year, that's obvious to see by the lap times.
"But I think everyone is a long way off of that team; Red Bull have made a step forward but still they haven't caught Mercedes. It feels like Mercedes have a very good upgrade for this race and have actually pulled away from the field.
"So, yes, they're doing an amazing job and it's everyone else's job to try and make the racing more interesting by catching those guys. So for winning races it's obvious to see if you look at the facts that yes we are further away than we were at this point last year in qualifying."
Button qualified ninth for Sunday's race in Barcelona, with teammate Kevin Magnussen in 15th.
