Budkowski sees Renault in attack mode for the next three years

Renault F1 executive director Marcin Budkowski says the French manufacturer is set to activate its attack mode after three years of building up its base.

Renault returned to Formula 1 as a works outfit in 2016 after buying the Lotus outfit, and proclaimed at the time that it would take three years for it to become competitive once again at the pinnacle of motorsport.

That period has elapsed, with Renault finishing fourth in the Constructors' standings in 2018. And Budkowski is ready to move the team to the next level.

• Chandhok: 'A-lister' Ricciardo moving to Renault a year too early

"We do not work for the short term," Budkowski told France's Auto Hebdo.

"We don't just hire experienced people, but mostly young people coming out of university. We invest in the future. We are not looking for immediate results as we are still rebuilding the team.

"We could have done better last year if the short term had been our goal, but rather it is to build a team capable of being world champions.

"After three years of construction, three years of attack are beginning."

Renault's executive, who joined the manufacturer from the FIA in controversial circumstances, says the works team did not do the best of jobs last season when it came to the development of its R.S.16 chassis.

"If the question is 'Did we do a great job in terms of car development?' the answer is no. Our progress was inherently worse than in 2017 and we are aware of it," he said.

"There is a bit of disappointment at not being able to get closer to the top three, but that drives us to change things in the way we operate."

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter