Nico Hulkenberg believes upcoming races in Belgium and Italy will “make or ꦗbreak” Renault’s 2019 Formula 1 season.

Renault sits sixth in the constructors’ championship and trails current midfield leaders McLaren by 43 points, having failed t𝓰o finish inside the top 10 since𒊎 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 h🐭opeful of a turnaround, starting th꧙is weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix.

“T♋he break certainly came at a welcome time for us after a disappointing July,” Hulkenberg said.

“We know the season has f🐲allen 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 f💙or th🍸e challenge.

“These next two back-to-ba꧋ck ra🃏ces are almost a make or break for our season. We 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 ju🔴st needs “cleaner” weekends to catch itꩵs rivals.

“It’s been a challenging seas♊on so far, we can’t hide from that,” he conceded.

“There have ജbeen some positive☂s, some things not so good, so the summer break was ideal for us.

“It was nice to t♍ake some time off, have a holiday in Los Angꦫeles, and not think too much about racing. It was the same for the team, so hopefully we’re all feeling refreshed now.

“We’re targeting a better second-half of the season to catch our competitors. 𓆉I know we can do it, we just need cleaner weeke💯nds.”