New Delhi : German driver Nico Hulkenberg will race for Renault next Formula 1 season after spending five years at Force India. Force India have agreed to release Hulkenberg from the contract with team boss Vijay Mallya on Friday confirming Hulkenberg’s departure.
Later in the day, Renault said Hulkenberg joins the team as part of a multi-year deal.
Mallya wished the German well for the future while Renault Sport Racing chairman Jerome Stroll welcomed him to the factory team.
“Having spent five years with us, Nico has become a great friend and contributed a huge amount to the team’s success. He’s an outstanding driver, who has scored more points for this team than anybody else. While it’s true we will miss Nico, we respect his decision to explore fresh opportunities and it would be wrong to stand in his way,” said Mallya in a statement.
The Enstone-based outfit might have fared below expectations with just eight points to show this year but Hulkenberg has made his decision believing in the long-term ability of the team.
“It has always been my dream to work for a manufacturer team. F1’s new regulations will change the game and give our team a good opportunity. In the years to come, Renault will play a challenger role, which fits my approach to racing.”