Racing Point have had a disappointing 2019 season and team boss Otmar Szafnauer says that this was to be expected after taking over from Force India last year. The team are currently sixth in the constructor's championship, one point ahead of Toro Rosso.
"It's not what we wanted. We definitely wanted to be a little bit further ahead," Szafnauer said to Motorsport.com.
"We're just one point ahead of Toro Rosso and 18 behind Renault, so yeah, we were hoping to be fifth or fourth this year, so from that regard, it's a bit disappointing.
"However, having looked back at what happened the year before this, when this year's car was in development, we were in a bit of turmoil, especially financially, so it's not surprising."
Sergio Perez also agrees that the team have struggled to perform to the level that they wanted to and hopes that things will improve for next season.
"I don't think we have achieved what we wanted this year," said Perez.
"It's been a disappointing season in a way. We knew it was not going to be great since the beginning but we kind of expected to be a bit more competitive by now.
"I think in the second half of the season we've been strong, in different circuits, different places, which is always positive.
"McLaren, in that midfield, has been very consistent, very strong, but I think we have been in the mix with all the others and we've scored a good amount of points since the summer break.
"There are a lot of positives to take, but the general picture is not where we want to be."
The midfield battle has been incredibly tight this season and the standings of the 5th, 6th and 7th place will go down to the final race.