Retired McLaren veteran Jo Ramirez has said that he thinks the Woking team is behind schedule.

The Mexican, famed for his closeness to Ayrton Senna during his days as team coordinator, told Spanish newspaper AS that he expected McLaren to be higher up at the mid-season point of 2016.

"It's true they are better [than before]," Ramirez said, "but we must also bear in mind that this is a circuit than benefits them.

"I think at this stage of the season and on a track like this they should already be fighting for the podium," the 74-year-old added.

Ramirez said that McLaren have at least ended their nightmare of 2015.

"It's clear that this year has nothing to do with last year," he said. "At least they are able to compete with the other cars."

As for Fernando Alonso, Ramirez added: "I hope Fernando continues to trust the team and does not lose motivation because eventually they will get there, even though it will not be easy."

McLaren currently sit in seventh place in the team standings with 38 points.