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Former McLaren driver Pedro de la Rosa doubt's the Woking team can challenge for the championship next year.
The Spaniard drove for the team between 2003-2009, and again in 2011 as a test, reserve, and race driver.
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Compatriot and former team mate Fernando Alonso said that the team would be able to challenge for championship glory as early as next season, despite struggling for two seasons with their Honda power unit.
However, de la Rosa doubts that such a challenge will be possible so soon.
"A team that today fights to be in Q3 taking the title the next year is very difficult, but he will fight for podiums - of that I have no doubt," he said.
Despite questioning Alonso's 2017 championship credentials, de La Rosa was extremely complimentary of the two-time champion, whom he worked with at both McLaren and Ferrari.
"I have worked with great drivers," the 45-year-old told Spanish radio Cadena Ser, "and I've seen telemetry and that is the acid test."
"To compare different eras is unfair, but if I had to say a best of all time it would be Alonso," he said.
de la Rosa went on to add that, although he wasn't happy with how he reacted to his engine failing at the Malaysia Grand Prix, the only other "untouchable" driver in the field was Lewis Hamilton.
"I think he should instead thank them for the car they have given him," he said of Hamilton.
As for the likely 2016 champion, like many, de la Rosa is tipping Hamilton's team mate Nico Rosberg for glory.
"Anything can happen, but I think Rosberg will win," he said.
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