Renault "convinced" they'll catch up with Mercedes & Ferrari

Renault team principal Cyril Abiteboul thinks that his team can catch up with the likes of Ferrari and Mercedes next season, as the Frenchman's outfit are progressing nicely since their comeback in Formula One.

Renault currently sit in fourth, comfortably leading the rest of midfield but also trailing the big three by a country mile. However, they have signed up Daniel Ricciardo from next season onwards, which could be an indication of things to come.

"The engine is good enough to put a car in pole position, to win races and to fight for the title," Abiteboul explained to Auto Motor und Sport.

"Red Bull prove that.

"Without their problems they would be in the title fight.

"Only two of their problems had to do with the engine."

The Frenchman then went on to make a pretty bold statement regarding Renault's position as a team next season.

"I am convinced that we will catch up with Mercedes and Ferrari in 2019 , maybe even overtake.

"I am satisfied with the performance increase, but not yet with reliability.

"On the chassis side we are still lagging aerodynamically."

Big things could be in store then for next season! If Red Bull can also fight for wins with their Honda-powered car, we'll have four teams battling for the title (if you believe what Abiteboul is saying here). A four-way title fight, that's the stuff of dreams. We can't wait for 2019 to start!