Abiteboul believes Renault need to be "smart" to stay ahead of Haas

Renault boss Cyril Abiteboul believes that his side need to "be smart" to stay ahead of Haas in the race for fourth place in the Constructors' Championship.

Abiteboul was very complimentary of the American side, claiming he knew they would be in the mix for fourth place as early as winter testing in Barcelona.

Renault are currently 11 points clear of Haas with five races remaining of the season, but in Sochi - Nico Hulkenberg and Carlos Sainz both failed to get on the points board.

"Frankly, they (Haas) have been a worry since the Barcelona pre-season test," Abiteboul told The Checkered Flag. "It was very clear that they had a competitive car for all sorts of reasons. They have benefitted from a very strong improvement of the Ferrari engine mid-season, which makes them a strong competitor."

Abiteboul also said that Renault must "think strategically" until the end of the season in order to keep hold of their current position in the championship.

"I think on pace, it is very clear that they are faster than us, so it's all about trying to mitigate and think strategically about the end of the season," the Renault boss continued.