Hulkenberg set for Renault switch from Force India

Bs_logoImage
Press Trust of India New Delhi
Last Updated : Oct 14 2016 | 3:57 PM IST
German driver Nico Hulkenberg is set for a move to 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 today confirming Hulkenberg's departure.
"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.
Hulkenberg is reported to have signed a two-year deal with Renault, who returned to the grid as a factory team this season.
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.
Despite being highly rated and scoring bagful points for Force India, the 29-year-old was unable to stand on the podium whereas his teammate of last three years, Sergio Perez, stood on it four times.
He joined Force India as a reserve in 2011 before securing a race seat the following year. In 2013, he moved to Sauber only to return to Force India for the next three seasons.
Hulkenberg is currently ninth in the driver standings with 54 points, behind teammate Perez, who is lying in eighth spot with 80 points including a couple of podiums.

Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content

Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Access to Exclusive Premium Stories

  • Over 30 subscriber-only stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Oct 14 2016 | 3:57 PM IST