Ex-Formula 1 driver Mark Webber is already fearing the worst for Daniel Ricciardo at Renault.

After achieving his first finish in P7 in China, the Australian was involved in a strange incident in Baku when he reversed into Daniil Kvyat moments after an attempted overtake went wrong.

It would ultimately end in his third retirement in four races since joining the French manufacturer, with Webber making this claim post-race.

“Daniel’s season hasn’t really started, has it?” he wondered talking to Australia's World Wide of Sports.

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More concerning has been Renault's lack of performance in the midfield, something Webber had feared when Ricciardo announced his move from Red Bull.

“As predicted, they’re a long way off, they’ve got a big job to do,” he continued.

“They’re a team under tremendous pressure already because their performance doesn’t back up the chat. Renault was saying in the off-season they can challenge the top three, but they’re a long way from that."

To make matters worse...

“They’ve got some reliability issues and McLaren is belting them with the same engine, which is not good. McLaren is a long way down the road at the moment," he said.

“It’s been very challenging for Renault, and it’s starting to sink in now, in terms of the amount of work in front of them."

Focusing back on Ricciardo, the former Red Bull driver concluded by expressing concern at what a failed stint at Renault could mean long term.

“Daniel hasn’t forgotten how to drive, but the form guide changes very quickly in this sport and a driver’s momentum and his career can be challenged," he claimed.

“He’s valued, but clearly he’s not in a good position at the moment. That’s obvious. You need results, you need to be drinking the champagne on the podium.

“That’s what concerned me with this move, so let’s hope the team can lift for him and start getting results.

“Every few months, if the performances aren’t there, other managers and agents and young drivers are trying to muscle in, the sport moves on so fast.

“Daniel benefited from it in the past, he was one of the guys that had it on the way up. Now Renault has to deliver for him.”