Nico Hulkenberg will leave Force India at the end of the current Formula One season, the team has announced.
The 29-year-old German is expected to join rivals Renault from the 2017 season onwards as his second stint with Force India comes to an end after three years.
Hulkenberg entered F1 with Williams in 2010 before moving to Force India for two years, the first of which was spent as a test driver.
He then went on to drive for Sauber in 2013 but was back with the Silverstone-based marque a year later.
But now the 2015 Le Mans 24 Hour winner is due to move on again, with Renault believed to be set to announce Hulkenberg after it was confirmed he would be departing Force India.
"Nico Hulkenberg will leave Sahara Force India at the end of the season to pursue other opportunities within Formula One. His last race with the team will be in Abu Dhabi next month," the team said in a statement released on Friday morning.
Team principal Vijay Mallya said of Hulkenberg: "Everybody at Sahara Force India wishes Nico well as he embarks upon a different path in Formula One.
"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."
Hulkenberg's best result in F1 is a fourth-placed finish, something he has achieved on three occasions during his career, as a podium still escapes him.
With one seat at Renault now likely to be taken, it remains to be seen who will race alongside Hulkenberg, with current Renault drivers Jolyon Palmer and Kevin Magnussen among those believed to be in with a chance.
Source: PA
