Nico Hulkenberg is switching to Renault for the 2017 season

It was announced this morning that Nico Hulkenberg will be switching to Renault next year after Force India confirmed he will leave its team at the end of the current season.

The news of the switch first surfaced at the Japanese Grand Prix weekend and is now being reported in detail by German newspaper Bild. After several articles linking Hulkenberg to Renault this week, Force India issued a statement confirming the German is set to leave its team after the final round of the season in Abu Dhabi as follows:-

“Everybody at Sahara Force India wishes Nico well as he embarks upon a different path in Formula One,” team boss 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.”

As we already know Renault is working on a five-year plan to return to the front of the grid and has said previously it is looking for a Michael-Schumacher style to rally its troops. The news follows months of speculation that Hulkenberg’s current teammate Sergio Perez would make the switch, but that ended two weeks ago when the Mexican finally confirmed he would remain at Force India.

Hulkenberg hinted at the Renault deal in a tweet today, where he screengrabbed the Bild article but only to make reference to the football fixtures further down the page.

Nico Hulkenberg confirmed as Renault driver for the 2017 season

It was announced this afternoon by the Renault Sport Formula One Team is proud to announce that Nico Hülkenberg will join the team for 2017 as part of a multi-year deal.
Hulkenberg has raced in 111 Formula 1 Grands Prix since making his debut in 2010. Nico's motorsport CV includes a Formula 1 pole position in his debut season, winning the GP2 Series at his first attempt as well as victory in his first Le Mans 24 Hours. He is currently driving for Force India, Nico has previously raced for Williams and Sauber in Formula 1.

In a statement to the media today, Renault Racing Chairman Jerome Stoll stated the following about signing Hulkenberg for the 2017 season as follows:-

“2017 will be the second season of Groupe Renault's return as a manufacturer entry in Formula 1 and the next step in our journey. This season has been about putting the foundations in place for future success. For our next step we required an experienced driver who is still hungry for podiums.

“Nico Hülkenberg 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. We look forward to seeing him in our new car for 2017.”

In his own statement to the media this afternoon, Hulkenberg is delighted to join the Renault team for the 2017 and hopes to replicate the success that F1 legend Michael Schumacher achieved in his career. However, he is thankful for the opportunity that Force India has given him for the last five years and thanks them for allowing him to chase up this new opportunity:-

“I'm very happy to join Renault Sport Formula One Team in 2017. Renault has always been a big player in the motorsport world that brings up incredible memories: in his stint with Renault, Michael Schumacher not only helped make Germany an F1 nation, he also sparked my enthusiasm and fire for racing. As a part of the Renault family, I want to develop the car and write new success stories,” said

“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%. I can't wait to become part of the family.

“For the remaining races this year, I will give my best for Force India to reach fourth place in the constructors' championship. This would be a great achievement for the whole Force India team, the biggest success in its history and a great end to a fantastic time there.
“I am grateful that Force India has given me the chance to take up this new opportunity.”

Sarah Jones- @jonesy_laaa