Time to go, Nico!

FAREWELL: Nico Hulkenberg will race for Renault next year as Sergio Perez prepares to welcome new partner

Hulkenberg targets success stories as he joins Renault

After back-to-back record breaking seasons, Force India’s team of Nico Hulkenberg and Sergio Perez is splitting with the prior, jumping ship to join Renault.

The 29-year-old German has enjoyed three years with the constructors, helping to steer them up the  table from sixth to a current fourth place position.

With just two races to go, speculation as to who will replace Hulkenberg next year has already begun, with 22-year-old Manor driver, Pascal Wehrlein, amongst the favourites.

With only one point to his name throughout his Formula One career, it may be a risky move in some people’s eyes, yet the young German has been singled out previously by both Mercedes and Force India for test driving.

Force India’s deputy principal, Bob Fernley, said: “It’s (co-owner and principal) Vijay (Mallya)’s decision and we’ll start those discussions probably when we get back next week.

“I think we’ll take our time, have a look at what offers are on the table, Vijay will make his decision and then we’ll announce it.”

Pressed further, he said it could be ‘next week or the week after or even the week after that’.

In a statement released upon joining Renault, Hulkenberg said he was excited to be joining a full works outfit in Formula One.

He said: “I’m very happy to join Renault Sport Formula 1 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.

“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 per cent. I can’t wait to become part of the family.”

On his experience of driving for Force India, he added: “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.”

Chequered flag waves on 2015 Formula One season

CHAMPION: Lewis Hamilton sealed the 2015 World Championship title following his victory in America in October

Rosberg wins in Abu Dhabi whilst Force India seal record points finish

Eight months and 19 races after the 2015 Formula One campaign began in Australia, drivers and constructors finally passed the finish line for the last time last weekend as the season drew to a close in Abu Dhabi.

With Lewis Hamilton already secured as the World Champion for the second year in a row, it was Mercedes teammate, Nico Rosberg, who took first spot in the Gulf State to finish his year with three straight victories.

The duo have been unstoppable this year, triumphing in every race except three, with only Sebastian Vettel being able to squeeze his way onto the top of the podium.

Whether Mercedes can prolong their dominance in the sport is still yet to be seen however there are certainly resemblances in their form to that of Red Bull’s when they enjoyed four championships in a row.

Elsewhere, Force India will be content with a season high finish for the constructors, ending in fifth spot, and drivers Sergio Perez and Nico Hulkenberg sealing ninth and tenth place respectively.

The pair finished the season with a point’s flurry and came home in fifth and seventh spot in Abu Dhabi to round off a great season.

RACE: Drivers will now hang up their helmets for four months until the next Formula One season begins next year

Mexican Perez, who has discovered the best form of his career in recent races, commented after the final flag of the season: “It feels great to end the season with a strong performance and I’m very satisfied with how everything has gone this weekend – both in qualifying and the race.

“Looking back on the whole season it’s been my best year in Formula One and the most successful year for the team. There is a lot of potential for next season and we will be aiming even higher.”  

Otmar Szafnauer, Chief Operating Officer at Force India, reiterated the enthusiasm of his driver and was confident of a successful 2016 campaign.

“We end the season with a strong result and 16 world championship points – the most we’ve scored at any race this season,” he said.

“Today’s result shows just how much progress we have made this season and gives me confidence ahead of 2016.

“The second part of the season is testament to the hard work of everyone in the team and highlights the upward direction the team has followed in the last few years.

“We will celebrate this year's results, but we know we cannot rest on our laurels: we're already at work on our 2016 cars to pick up where we left off tonight and be competitive from the start of next year’s championship.”

CONCLUSION: Force India recorded a season best 16 World Championship points in Abu Dhabi last weekend

It’s back!

With the 2014 Formula One season finally kicking off this weekend at the Australian Grand Prix, Sahara Force India driver, Sergio Perez has been speaking about his excitement ahead of the first race.

Perez joined Force India in the off-season and with driving partner, Nico Hulkenberg, alongside him, he will be hoping to build on his 11th place finish from last season.

OPTIMISTIC: Sergio Perez says the whole Force India team are ‘hungry’ for success this year and is expecting ‘big things’

Q) Sergio, the start of the season is here. Are you looking forward to racing in Melbourne?

A) It’s the first race of the year so I’ve been looking forward to this moment for a long time. I hope we can have a great start of the season.

Q) How have you found the new generation of Formula One cars to drive?

A) The new rules are interesting and the cars are quite challenging. There is less downforce now, but there is a lot of torque from the engine so it’s quite a different feeling. You also have to think about managing the fuel load and we know that Melbourne is a circuit with high fuel consumption.

Q) Do you feel busier in the car this year?

A) Yes, there are more things to do in terms of managing the systems on the car so it’s more complicated than last year. The pre-season testing has given us enough time to get to know the new systems so I don't foresee any issue come the first race.

Q) How would you sum up the pre-season so far?

A) I think we are feeling well prepared going into Melbourne. Testing has had its ups and downs, as always, but we ended the second Bahrain test in a good position. There are still areas we need to improve, but I think we have made a good start and we can build on that.

Q) How are you feeling about your first race weekend with Sahara Force India?

A) It's always a good feeling to start with a new team. I had a full winter to get to know everyone and I’m feeling ready now. The team is very hungry and I hope we can achieve some great things this year.