Max Verstappen says his situation at Red Bull-Honda is "not frustrating yet".
Team boss Christian Horner has denied there is a risk the talented and maturing Dutchman might switch to Mercedes.
And there are signs of frustration.
Ziggo Sport quotes the 21-year-old as saying finishing fourth in Baku was "better than finishing last".
But Verstappen added: "It is not frustrating yet. I still fight for places at the front, and we need to remain realistic."
He admits that Mercedes is currently dominant.
"That's why we need to get started in closing the gap," Verstappen said. "The extra 20 horse power helped, as it was better over the race distance."