F1 driver Nico Hulkenberg confirms switch to Renault for 2017
Force India’s German driver Nico Hulkenberg has been confirmed at Renault Sport for 2017, with his move likely to trigger a series of announcements.
Force India had earlier confirmed that Hulkenberg will leave the team at the end of the season, despite having had a contract. Renault has been after a top experienced driver, and it remains to be seen whether Kevin Magnussen or Jolyon Palmer are retained.
“As a part of the Renault family, I want to develop the car and write new success stories,” said Hulkenberg. “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 100 percent. I can’t wait to become part of the family. I am grateful that Force India has given me the chance to take up this new opportunity.”
Renault Sport chairman Jerome Stoll said that hiring an experienced driver was key for the team.
“This season has been about putting the foundations in place for future success,” said Stoll. “For our next step we required an experienced driver who is still hungry for podiums. Nico Hulkenberg fulfils this role perfectly and is an excellent complement to what we want to achieve. He is a highly talented, dedicated and motivated driver. Nico will enable us to harness all the hard work completed this season and translate it to improved results on track in 2017 and beyond.”
Meanwhile, Force India team boss Vijay Mallya said: “Everybody at Sahara Force India wishes Nico well as he embarks upon a different path in Formula One. 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.”
Esteban Ocon is thought to be the top of the list of possible replacements at Force India.
