After the first three race of the 2018 season, Renault technical director Bob Bell admits he had hoped for more progress from his team over the winter.
The French manufacturer is midway through its long-term project to return to the front of the field by 2020 and was aiming to close the gap to Formula One's big three -- Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull -- this season. Although the new car has emerged near the front of F1's tight midfield battle in qualifying this season, Renault is currently fifth in the standings, trailing engine customers McLaren (by three points) and Red Bull (by 30 points).