The Sahara Force India Formula One Team confirmed that Nico Hulkenberg will leave the team at the end of the season to “pursue other opportunities within Formula One.”

Word has been going around that Hulkenberg was on the verge of leaving Force India to take a drive with the Renault Formula. This latest announcement opens the door for him to join the Renault F1 team in 2017 when another round of rule changes comes into play.

“Everybody at Sahara Force India wishes Nico well as he embarks upon a different path in Formula One,” said the Team Principal and Managing Director of Force India Vijay Mallya.

“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.”