Renault explain cause of Ricciardo's Monza DNF

Renault absolved themselves of blame for Daniel Ricciardo's retirement at the Italian Grand Prix, pointing out that a failed clutch on his Red Bull had halted his race early. Having started from the back of the field with engine penalties, Ricciardo lasted just 25 laps before juddering to a halt with smoke pouring out the back of his car.

Ricciardo has failed to see the chequered flag in four of the past six races and is yet to return to the podium since winning the Monaco Grand Prix.

That victory appeared to have vaulted the Australian into title contention, but his luckless run since has seen Red Bull team-mate Max Verstappen overtake him in the drivers' championship.

Relations have become increasingly strained between Red Bull and Renault this year, with uncompetitive power units and Ricciardo's impending switch to the French team at the heart of their war of words.

Red Bull have spoken bullishly about their hopes that a 2019 switch to Honda will bear fruit after Ricciardo and Verstappen were unable to make an impression at Monza with Renault's upgraded engine.

But the French marque were quick to point out that power unit failure was not the cause of Ricciardo's DNF - while also pointing out Verstappen's role in him missing out on a podium.

ANOTHER UPDATE: It is a shame that due to his penalty Verstappen narrowly missed out on a podium in Monza, with the new Renault Spec C PU. We can confirm that after studying the PU on Ricciardo’s car, his retirement was not linked to the engine. It was rather a clutch issue. — Renault Sport F1 (@RenaultSportF1) September 2, 2018