Nico Hulkenberg believes upcoming races in Belgi♐um and Italy will “make or break” Renault’s 2019 Formula 1 season.

Renౠault sits sixth in the constructors’ championship and trails current midfield leaders McLaren by 43 points, having failed to finish inside the top 10 since a double points finish at the British Grand Prix.

Hulkenberg, who crashed out in wet conditions in Germany while running in a podium position, is hopeful of a turnaround, starting this weekend’s Beꩲlgian Grand Prix.

“The break certainly came at a welcome time for us after a disappointi🤡ng July,” Hulkenberg said.

“We know the season has fallen൲ below our expectations so far and it’s up to us now to ensure we recover it for the remainder of the year.

“I relaxed a little, recharged the batteries on a boat in Croatia. But now it’s time to get going again and I’m ready for the c꧑hallenge.

“These ▨next two back-to-back races are almost a make or break for our season. ꦗWe have to be on it.”

Teammate Daniel Ricciardo remains upbeat about 🧸the French squad’s chances in the second half of the season and believes Renault just needs “cleaner” weekends to catch its rivals.

“It’s been a challenging season so far, we can’🐼t hide from that,” he✅ conceded.

“Ther🍸e have been some positives, some things not so good, so the summer break was ideal for us.

“It was nice to take some time off, have a holiday in Los Angeles, and not think too much about racing. It was the same for the team, so hopefully we’re all feeling refreshe⛦d now.

“We’re tar🐻geting a better second-half of the season to catch our competitors. I know we can do it, we just need cleaner weekends.ꦬ”