Both Renault drivers admit the team face a critical period on the run to Abu Dhabi, starting this weekend at the Belgian Grand Prix.

This season has not met expectations at the Enstone-based outfit as they find themselves firmly in the midfield rather than making progress on closing the top three races.

In fact, customer team McLaren has scored more than double the number of points in 2019 and Nico Hulkenberg knows results are needed urgently.

"We know the season has fallen below our expectations so far and it's up to us now to ensure we recover it for the remainder of the year," he said.

"These next two back-to-back races are almost a make or break for our season. We have to be on it."

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Teammate Daniel Ricciardo also acknowledged that he expected more after taking the gamble of switching from Red Bull and hopes Renault is ready to attack in the final nine races.

"It’s been a challenging season so far, we can’t hide from that. There have been some positives, some things not so good, so the summer break was ideal for us," the Australian claimed.

"Hopefully we’re all feeling refreshed now. We’re targeting a better second half of the season to catch our competitors. I know we can do it, we just need cleaner weekends."

Away from the on-track issues, the team's line-up for 2020 is also now the centre of speculation as Esteban Ocon is expected to be confirmed as Nico Hulkenberg's replacement at Spa.

The German himself teased "finally a more exciting Thursday ahead" referencing the likely questions and events expected to take place on media day.

It is now understood that Hulkenberg's state of limbo will only be brief, however, as a move to Haas will be confirmed at the Italian GP next week.