Renault F1 managing director Cyril Abiteboul says that the company simply has to address its reliability issues.
Both Carlos Sainz and Nico Hulkenberg failed to finish the Mexican Grand Prix. And to add to Renault's woes, two more retirements - Red Bull's Daniel Ricciardo and Toro Rosso's Brendon Hartley - were related to the Renault power unit.
"The Mexican Grand Prix was particularly difficult with a number of unacceptable mechanical problems," Abiteboul said this week.
"We have the clear intention to take fast and strong measures," he continued. "The particularities of Mexico accentuated our weaknesses.
"The performance of our engine has progressed a lot this year as the results in the race attest," he pointed out. The one bright spot for Renault in Mexico had been Ricciardo's teammate Max Verstappen strolling to victory.
"Clearly we have not been successful in balancing performance and reliability," he admitted. "We now have to find reliability, for both us and our customers, even if Max won magnificently in Mexico."
The team is currently in seventh place in the constructors championship. While they're only five points behind Toro Rosso, the gap to Williams is now 28 points.
"This season we set ourselves the goal of fifth in the constructors championship," Abiteboul acknowledged. "Whilst achieving this is still mathematically possible, it is now a tall order.
"There are now two Grands Prix remaining. We will do everything we can to be sixth at the end of the weekend."
"Interlagos is a legendary circuit that often makes for an unpredictable race in front of many excited fans," he continued. "The weather often plays an important role
"But come rain or shine, we are confident in the positive qualities of both our drivers and the R.S.17. The enthusiasm of the fans is always enjoyable to see and hear; in so many regards it is a very fine Grand Prix."
Beyond Brazil and then the season finale at Abu Dhabi at the end of the November, Abiteboul is looking forward to a strong future for Renault in 2018 and beyond.
"The team remains confident and united," he said. "[That's] essential to maintain progress to the end of the season, and also for our preparations for 2018.
"We have the means; our organisation is stable, robust and competent."
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