I talk to many of my peers up and down the Formula 1 pitlane on a regular basis and ever since day one of this season, the guys at McLaren have being buoyant about their chances.
They were all well aware there was a lot of hard work coming their way and that the beginning of the campaign would be particularly hard. They also, however, truly believed it would be short-term pain for long-term gain.
The history of McLaren and Honda together was used extensively as a gauge of future success and the excitement grew, both inside and outside the team.