Nico Hulkenberg thoroughly enjoyed his period racing for Force India and his last season in particular, but felt compelled to move on to new pastures.
Speaking to Formula1.com, the German driver said he had no complaints whatsoever about Vijay Mallya's outfit which achieved its best ever result when it finished fourth in the Constructor's championship.
"After my long ‘marriage’ with Force India I felt I needed a new girlfriend! " Hulk explained.
"Jokes aside, I am deeply grateful to Force India and left on an absolute high note. We had the most successful year in the history of Force India: P4 in the constructors’ championship.
"That almost felt like dreaming the impossible dream - and the dream came true! Nevertheless, I am convinced that switching to a works team is the right step for me to achieve new successes. Both Renault and myself are challengers with good potential."
Renault's ambition to return to the winner's circle is a long term plan, and one in which Hulkenberg hopes to play an instrumental role as he seeks to capitalize on the benefits enjoyed by a powerful manufacturer.
"At Force India we were ‘best of the rest’ behind Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull. But then again, we didn’t have the prerequisites and sheer power of manufacturers, who enter the competition under completely different conditions.
At Force India we turned a little into a lot. At Renault the next few years will be about turning a participant into a real contender - one that makes use of the advantages of a manufacturer in the best way possible to achieve the racing success of the past. And believe me, we will!"
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