Nico Hulkenberg extends Force India deal

Instead he has chose to stay on at Force India, who are now sixth in the Grand Prix constructors’ standings with 49 points.

August 31 Force India driver Nico Hulkenberg is aiming to bounce back at the Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix this weekend after two disappointing race weekends at Belgium and Hungary. I do not believe I broke your “posting rules and etiquette”, rather pointed out that all Formula One drivers now have a number for their career no matter which team they drive for – I merely suggested that a column clarifying “confirmed”, “likely”, “not known” etc. would make more sense. “The progress the team has shown over the last two years has really impressed me and gives me confidence for the future”, said Hulkenberg.

After making his Force India race debut in 2012, Hulkenberg rejoined the team for a second spell in 2014 after a year at Sauber.

The German’s future had been the subject of widespread media speculation over the summer, with his name being linked to newcomers Haas and also to a full programme in the World Endurance Championship with Porsche, with whom he won the Le Mans 24 Hours this year.

Team principal Vijay Mallya said he was a big fan of the German driver.

“He has spent nearly four years with us already and in that time we’ve seen him develop into one of the best racing drivers in the world”.

Mallya lauded the player, saying he has the required technical knowledge and speed needed to achieve good results. Ferrari announced two weeks ago that they’ll retain Kimi Raikkonen in 2016, ending any hopes the likes of Valtteri Bottas – the favourite to replace his fellow Finn – Hulkenberg and Romain Grosjean might have had of partnering Sebastian Vettel. To make his DNF all the more galling, Force India team-mate Sergio Perez not only challenged eventual victor Lewis Hamilton for the lead on lap one, but went on to claim his best finish of the season in fifth place. “We will do everything we can to continue delivering a auto to match his talent”.