Hulkenberg joins Renault for 2017 Formula 1 season

The legendary Formula 1 driver Michael Schumacher was highlighted on Friday as the inspiration for Nico Hulkenberg's move from Force India to Renault. 

Reuters/Toru Hanai

Hulkenberg, 29, will join the French team after the final race of the 2016 season in Abu Dhabi.

"Renault has always been a big player in the motorsport world that brings up incredible memories," said Hulkenberg. "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."

Schumacher had only one season behind the wheel of a Renault engine in his final year for Benetton, winning nine grand prix and the second of his seven world titles.

Hulkenberg added: "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."

Jerome Stoll, Renault Sport Racing chairman, identified Hulkenberg as the man to develop the team.

"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."

Stoll added: "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."

Hulkenberg started his career in Formula 1 nine years ago with the Williams team. He moved to Force India for the start of the 2011 season and left for Sauber in 2013.

He returned to Force India in 2014 and with four races to go in the 2016 season, he is ninth in the drivers' championship. The Mercedes duo of Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton lead the pack

Vijay Mallya, Force India's team principal, said the stable would miss Hulkenberg. "We respect his decision to explore fresh opportunities and it would be wrong to stand in his way. He's an outstanding driver, who has scored more points for this team than anybody else."