Renault Team Principal, Cyril Abiteboul believes his team’s strong result in the Italian Grand Prix shows how much progress his team are making.

Both Daniel Ricciardo and Nico Hulkenberg enjoyed their best finishes of the season, crossing the line fourth and fifth, and secured Renault’s best result since their return to Formula 1.

After showing strong pace at the last race in Belgium, Abiteboul believes the result at Monza proves that Renault have made a clear step forward with their engine, after years of criticism.

“Today’s result is not only the best combined result for the team since its re-entry to Formula 1, but also a demonstration after Montréal and Spa the clear progress of the team and in particular on the power unit side that has been so openly criticised in the past.” commented Abiteboul.

“It is a demonstration that everything is so fluid with a competitive package.

“It is also an invitation to repeat these types of emotions, when our season has been far from a smooth ride so far.”

Abiteboul also praised his drivers for their performances and acknowledged that things haven’t been easy for either driver so far this season, whilst also noting that upcoming circuits will also be tough for the team.

“Our drivers have shown what they can do with a competitive car.

“They have been remarkable all the way through including in tricky situations.

“This result is good for the team as we also know there are very challenging circuits to come this season where we will be less competitive. But let’s take this for now.”

Ricciardo was also happy to finish fourth, achieving his best result since leaving Red Bull, and reiterated that believes the race pace proves how much his team have improved their engine.

“We deserved that today. It matches my best ever result here in Monza and to do it with Renault is great.” commented Ricciardo.

“To get the team’s best result since returning to Formula 1 in fourth and fifth at a power circuit really complements Renault and their hard work.

“The race pace was really good and it’s a nice reward for the team. The result is long overdue this year; I’m very satisfied now!”