Renault confidence growing despite "points left on the table" in Russia

Renault

Renault confidence growing despite "points left on the table" in Russia

Renault has amassed the most points of the midfield teams in recent races

Sam Hall

Wednesday 30 September 2020 13:01 Updated: 13:49

Renault drivers Esteban Ocon and Daniel Ricciardo have been encouraged by a recent upturn in results that has seen the team close to just seven points off third in the constructors' standings.

Renault made a somewhat shaky start to the current season, racing often in the lower reaches of the midfield rather than challenging Racing Point and McLaren ahead.

However, a recent surge in results has catapulted the French manufacturer to within seven points of McLaren who currently occupy third position in the constructors' championship standings.

Article continues under video

After finishing seventh in the Russian Grand Prix, Ocon said, “It’s going in the right direction.

"When we see the pace is strong like that, as I said, for future races it is good. We can see we are catching the guys at the front which is the main target for the constructors’ championship."

Although pleased with the progress made by his team, Ocon added that there remains room for improvement.

"As soon as we put on the hard we lost grip, we lost balance with the car, I lost the confidence with it and I just went backwards from there," continued the Frenchman.

“Potentially a few points left on the table in that place, but reviewing it, I think it is a good result and we know the car is quick so it’s good for future races.”

Since the Belgian Grand Prix, Renault has comprehensively outscored its rivals, securing 63 championship points compared to the 44 of McLaren, 41 of Racing Point and Ferrari's paltry 13.

Ensuring a third double points haul from the last four races by crossing the line in fifth, Ricciardo agreed with the Frenchman's assessment of recent performances.

"[In] The last four races my worst result is sixth, so I’m really happy with that," said the Australian.

“Reliability has been good so we’re in a good place, I’m in a good place."

Before you go...

Carey to avoid being "in the way" when Domenicali takes F1 reigns