Force India's Nico Hulkenberg is about to complete a move across to Renault from the 2017 Formula One season, per multiple reports.
After failed attempts by the French manufacturer to secure the services of Stoffel Vandoorne, Carlos Sainz, and Sergio Perez, the German has emerged as its latest target to lead its works team next year.
Hulkenberg remained tight-lipped when asked about the rumours last weekend at Suzuka but Autosport now reports that both the former Le Mans 24 Hours winner is about to sign a two-year contract with Renault, with an option for a third season.
Motorsport.com adds that Hulkenberg is likely to be partnered with Esteban Ocon, who is currently learning the ropes at Manor. Should the 29-year-old leave Force India, Mercedes protégé Pascal Wehrlein appears well-placed to step up from Manor to partner Perez at the Silverstone-based outfit.
Force India’s Bob Fernley told F1i’s Chris Medland that the team will not stand in Hulkenberg’s way but added that he had yet to inform them of any interest from Renault.
Having made his grand prix debut at Williams in 2010, Hulkenberg boasts an experience of 111 race starts, one pole position, and two fastest laps, though he has yet to finish on the podium.
DRIVER RATINGS: Japanese Grand Prix
REPORT: Rosberg wins in Japan as Hamilton fights back to third
Breakfast with ... Tetsuo Tsugawa
FEATURE: Silbermann says... Snapchat and soap in Suzuka
Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter
When F1’s radically redesigned 2026 cars finally roll out in Barcelona at the end of…
Max Verstappen has never been one to sugar-coat reality – and as Formula 1 braces…
Ferrari have survived decades of criticism about strategy calls, driver politics and pit stops that…
While the paddock has been whispering for months that Mercedes might be holding the winning…
Dan Gurney passed away on this day in 2018, and here at F1i we'll never…
What began as a painful reminder of loss has ended with a moment of profound…