Nico Hulkenberg will officially leave Force India at the end of the season, the Formula 1 team has confirmed, ahead of a move to Renault for the 2017 season.
The German driver is currently in his fifth season with Force India, having joined in 2011, before a year away at Sauber in 2013.
Despite failing to score a podium finish, he’s enjoyed a successful stint at the team and Force India was hoping to keep hold of him.
Sergio Perez has already announced he will remain at the Silverstone-based squad, but Hulkenberg will leave at the end of the season to pursue “other opportunities” in F1.
Rumours around a potential move have picked up pace in recent weeks and his switch to Renault is expected to be announced soon.
“Everybody at Sahara Force India wishes Nico well as he embarks upon a different path in Formula 1,” Force India team principal Vijay Mallya said.
“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.”
