Dennis admits it has been a tough season

McLaren has had its worst season since 1981, technical problems seeing them take just 12 points from eight races.

"Many challenges don't respond to money they take time, and in three or four races we'll be in much better shape.

"We understand how we got into this situation, and we have a clear understanding of how we'll get out."

The McLaren cars' Mercedes engines have failed in six of the first eight races so far this season.

Dennis said though he was "numbed" by criticism, he was not in a position where he could feel sorry for himself.

"I am upset by our performance and my own contribution to it, although I've experienced far more difficult times than we are going through at the moment," he said.

Even their paltry points total has needed a stroke of luck to boost it, after Ralf Schumacher, Juan Pablo Montoya, and Cristiano da Matta were disqualified in Canada, lifting Kimi Raikkonen and David Coulthard up the standings to fifth and sixth.

"It is not an enjoyable experience to go through the pain of the failures we are currently suffering, but I do believe we will return to competitiveness," he said.

"We can see light at the end of the tunnel. I know the hero to zero nature of Grand Prix racing and that if you've had success, the failure is far more observed."