Official: Nico Hülkenberg leaves Sahara Force India for Renault
After three consecutive seasons with Sahara Force India, Nico Hülkenberg has decided to leave the Silverstone-based team. He will join Renault for the next two seasons.
Considered for many years as one of the most promising drivers of his generation, Nico Hülkenberg has yet to join a top team. This explains why he has still not stood on a podium after 111 Grand Prix races.
So he decided to leave Sahara Force India despite having a valid contract with the team. However, the team decided not to hold him back against his will, as confirmed by Vijay Mallya, the team owner: *Everyone at Sahara Force India wishes Nico the best as he embarks on a new path in Formula 1. After spending five years with us, Nico has become a very good friend and has greatly contributed to the team’s success. He is an exceptional driver, who has scored more points for this team than anyone else. While it’s true that we will miss Nico, we respect his decision to explore new opportunities and it would be wrong to stand in his way.*
The German has therefore decided to join Renault. Although the French team is currently at the bottom of the standings, it is experiencing a year of transition after acquiring the former Lotus team. The 2015 Le Mans 24-hour race winner is thus betting on joining a major manufacturer’s team, which can afford the means to reach the top of the grid.
This departure will revive the transfer market. The favorites to join Sahara Force India are logically Pascal Wehrlein and Esteban Ocon, who are both protected by Mercedes, the team’s engine supplier. The battle between the two Manor drivers promises to be intense until the end of the season.
Hülkenberg’s teammate at Renault is not yet known, but the three names most frequently mentioned are Valtteri Bottas, Esteban Ocon, and Kevin Magnussen.
With the participation of www.racingbusiness.fr
