Daniel Ricciardo has dismissed suggestions that Renault’s recent dip in its Formula 1 results are of concern.
Ricciardo revealed during the summer break that he had opted to end his lengthy relationship with Red Bull in order to join Renault for 2019.
Since then Renault has come under renewed pressure from Haas in the battle for fourth in the Constructors’ Championship, scoring just 10 points in the five races since signing Ricciardo.
Ricciardo’s future team-mate Nico Hulkenberg conceded at Suzuka that Renault had lagged behind its rivals in the development battle through the season.
But Ricciardo played down the notion that Renault’s 2018 form should leave him worried of his 2019 prospects.
“When I signed I knew there was work ahead and I know they are putting a lot of effort into putting things better and expanding all departments to try to make 2019 stronger and then 2020,” he said.
“The way the last few races have been this year… obviously it would be nice to see them improve every race but I honestly don’t look too much into it yet.
“I think 2019 is a new car and is going to be a fresh start again so I am not spending too much energy on that at the moment.
“All I can do at the moment is once my year is done is try to be fully immersed in it all and try to help as much as I can to see how things go from there.”
Ricciardo has four Grands Prix left with Red Bull before he departs and is hopeful of picking up a top-three finish, with his sole 2018 podiums coming courtesy of wins in China and Monaco.
“I think we’ll have a decent car around here,” he said.
“It’s weird, I know, that I haven’t had any actual podiums. So yeah, we’ll try to make it happen.
“Last year I was going pretty strong in the race but then we had to stop with some mechanicals.
“It’s definitely a fun track to race on. I enjoy Austin alone, but the circuit as well is really good for racing.
“You can overtake and it’s pretty unique, so I’m happy if it’s kind of wet for Friday and Saturday but I kind of feel if the race is dry Sunday it will still be pretty exciting.”
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