'Ludicrous' to suggest Renault can compete for titles

Renault technical chief Marcin Budkowski reckons it is "ludicrous" to suggest that Renault could compete with the likes of Mercedes, Ferrari, and Red Bull for titles as early as next season just because of their impressive power unit and their acquisition of Daniel Ricciardo.

The French manufacturer are hoping for a solid end to the season which would see them finish fourth in the constructors' championship, where they are at the moment, behind the three elite teams.

Their surprise announcement of Ricciardo as a driver, combined with the positive comments surrounding their power unit currently being used by Red Bull, have led some to suggest that they could be in with a shout of breaking into the triopoly at the top.

Budkowski, however, has shot down such claims.

"Obviously I hope it will be different, but we have to take things step by step," said Budkowski.

"We are 1.5 seconds off the top guys, and if I was sat here thinking we are going to recover that against people like Mercedes and Ferrari, these massive organisations, with super competent people, [I would be wrong].

"We have grown over the last two years, but they have had structures with 900 people for many years. Stability has been a benefit to them, so it would be ludicrous for me to say we are going to beat them next year.

Budkowski believes that Renault could eventually compete against the big three, but thinks they will be in with a better chance once new regulations are introduced in 2021.

"Our objective is to continue progressing strongly, and to be honest, reducing that gap is a real achievement," the Renault chief continued.

"I certainly hope we can fight much closer to them in 2020. But I am not going to make any predictions because it would be unreasonable.

"2021 is a potential change of regulations, if that is confirmed, and we have to see that as an opportunity. Every potential change is an opportunity and a risk, from our point of view and it is proper reset of the regulations it is favourable to us if it is a fresh start."

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