Renault working on 'completely new' F1 car for 2018

Aside from the introduction of the halo cockpit protection device, there are only subtle changes to the aerodynamic rules following the 2017 overhaul.

But as Renault bids to accelerate its push back to the front of the field, it is planning to ring the changes for next year.

Work on Renault's 2018 challenger has been ongoing for some time now, with the team planning to use Friday practice in Brazil for evaluation of 2018 ideas.

"We're making strong progress at Enstone and it's where our focus lies," said Renault technical director Nick Chester of the team's progress on next year's car.

"It's a completely new car despite a relatively low number of regulation changes.

"We've learnt a lot on the aerodynamic package and the balance of a car built to 2017 regulations, so the car should represent a strong step forward.

"We'll be doing some aero runs in practice in Brazil with a variety of aero instrumentation to help prepare the 2018 package."

Renault's engine suffered a string of reliability problems last time out in Mexico, with works driver Nico Hulkenberg, Red Bull's Daniel Ricciardo and Toro Rosso's Brendon Hartley failing to finish.

Renault's managing director Cyril Abiteboul said there is a "clear intention" to get on top of the "unacceptable" failure quickly.

"The Mexican Grand Prix was particularly difficult with a number of unacceptable mechanical problems and we have the clear intention to take fast and strong measures," he said.

"The particularities of Mexico accentuated our weaknesses, but clearly we have not been successful in balancing performance and reliability.

"The performance of our engine has progressed a lot this year as the results in the race attest; we now have to find reliability, for both us and our customers, even if Max [Verstappen] won magnificently in Mexico.

"The team remains confident and united, which is essential to maintain progress to the end of the season, and also for our preparations for 2018.

"We have the means; our organisation is stable, robust and competent."