The Renault Sport F1 Team said it wanted to get closer to the top teams this season, but here is his team McLaren customer who is ahead of the provisional classification: this is the conclusion drawn by the former nine-time Grand Prix winner Mark Webber.
The former Australian driver, always a wise observer of the Grand Prix, regrets that the French team is not able to pursue the goals set and see his compatriot Daniel Ricciardo moping in the soft belly of the pack.
The McLaren motorised by Renault collected a nice harvest of points on Sunday in Baku, making the team of Woking jump to the fourth place at the manufacturers with 6 points better than Renault, also preceded by Racing Point and Alfa Romeo.
“As predicted, they’re a long way off, they’ve got a big job to do. They’re a team under tremendous pressure already, because their performance doesn’t back up the chat.” Webber said.
“Renault were saying in the off-season they can challenge the top three, but they’re a long way from that. It’s been challenging, they’ve got some reliability issues as well, McLaren are belting them with the same engine, which is not good. McLaren are a long way down the road at the moment.” Webber added.
Webber also expressed his sympathy for fellow Australian compatriots Danile Ricciardo who haven’t won a podium this season.
“Daniel’s season hasn’t really started, has it? It’s been very challenging for Renault, and it’s starting to sink in now, in terms of the amount of work in front of them.” Webber said.
Daniel Ricciardo given grid penalty for reversing into Daniil Kyvat after strange incident in Azerbaijan GP. (Source:www.planetf1.com)
“Daniel hasn’t forgotten how to drive, but the form guide changes very quickly in this sport. A driver’s momentum and his career can be challenged.
“He’s valued, but clearly he’s not in a good position at the moment. That’s obvious. You need results, you need to be drinking the champagne on the podium. That’s what concerned me with this move, so let’s hope the team can lift for him and start getting results.
“Every few months, if the performances aren’t there, other managers and agents and young drivers are trying to muscle in, the sport moves on so fast,” Webber added.
