Nico Hulkenberg believes Renault must unlock the "mystery" that is allowing the top three teams to be so far ahead of the rest of the field.
This season was supposed to see the French manufacturer start closing the deficit to Mercedes, Red Bull and Ferrari but while they will end 2018 fourth in the Constructors' Championship, they are still mired in the midfield.
With a performance deficit of around two seconds per lap at most races, it would seem that their goal of fighting for wins and more by 2020 is somewhat overambitious and Hulkenberg acknowledges there is no silver bullet.
"The top teams have understood something we have not understood yet, we have to discover this mystery," he told Auto Motor und Sport.
"There is not one part that will bring us half a second right away. We need an increase in every area."
Perhaps contradicting that statement, however, the German does concede Renault have a notable weakness.
"The others have a lot more power in qualifying," he concedes. "That's why we often look better in the race. They have to turn it down."
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One man who is showing faith in the company's project though is Daniel Ricciardo, as the Australian gives up a lucrative Red Bull seat to join the Enstone team next year.
"Daniel has won several Grand Prix," said Hulkenberg on his future teammate.
"He is fast and motivated. I have to do my homework, be quick and constant. That's how I've always beaten my teammates."
