They may not be anything like the favourites for the 2019 championship, but even Renault boss Cyril Abiteboul has ruled his team out in a surprising declaration to new signing Daniel Ricciardo.

The Red Bull driver has agreed a move amid rumours of a rift with racing partner Max Verstappen, who has become the centre of the team's focus.

Ricciardo has certainly downgraded, joining a team outside this season's 'big three', namely Mercedes, Ferrari, and Red Bull.

And his new colleagues are clearly making no illusion of the challenge they face, with Renault currently in fourth place in the F1 standings, a mammoth 141 points behind their nearest rival, Ricciardo's current side.

"We sold him the goal of fighting for the championships in 2021, and to start winning, I hope, in 2020, but not before," Abiteboul said.

Renault have only been back racing as a factory team for two years, and Abiteboul is looking for his new signing to undertake a more extensive role in the team, with the possibility of working on vehicle development.

"He has also been sold a role that goes beyond that of a simple pilot, but that of someone who participates in building a team," said the 40-year old.

While offering him the chance of becoming the poster boy for one of Formula 1's rising stars, Ricciardo may be concerned at the warning of no race victories until at least 2020, with the Australian's contract just two years long.

Even with Ricciardo on board, a two-year projection for a serious championship challenge may still be optimistic.

Promising Spaniard Carlos Sainz Jr. is set to return to Red Bull after his loan and the team have further been hit with bad publicity over their mechanics, after Red Bull chief Christopher Horner dropped them as an engine supplier, in favour of Honda.

Whether or not Ricciardo's contract will be extended beyond 2020 remains to be seen, with a scheduled rules shake up in 2021 likely to affect the futures of a number of racers, including Mercedes star Lewis Hamilton.

In that case, it would appear the 29-year old is in for a challenging 24 months.

Buckle up, it's going to be a fascinating ride.