Nico Rosberg has admitted he has had to delay for now his hopes of becoming a grand prix winner.
The German driver, who contested his 100th formula one race in Hungary, said in an interview with Spain’s El Pais: "No one could win with my car.
"There are three teams - Red Bull, Ferrari and McLaren - who are ahead of the others. I need to wait to get a better car.
"Later this year or early next year I will start to think about winning," said Rosberg.
Mercedes GP entered the 2011 season with high hopes, but Auto Motor und Sport reports that the Brackley based team has now acknowledged that key technical aspects were flawed.
For instance, the W02 car has recently switched to a Red Bull-like exhaust/diffuser layout, while boss Ross Brawn admitted that for 2012 "we will build a longer car".
Rosberg’s goal for now, then, is to finish just behind the aforementioned three teams at grands prix.
"With this car, to me seventh place is like winning," said the 26-year-old.
Asked which areas of the car need to be improved, Rosberg added: "Everything. In general it’s the aerodynamics, mechanically in terms of reducing weight.
"The engine is fine," he continued, "but the blown exhaust system, which is a very important part of the aerodynamics now, can be improved a lot. We’re working on it."