Hulkenberg on Renault exit: 'Choice not only about performance'

Nico Hulkenberg says his Renault departure is not only down to performance, after it was confirmed that Esteban Ocon will replace him alongside Daniel Ricciardo in 2020.

Ocon's switch to Renault comes 12 months after a similar move was blocked by the stunning capture of Ricciardo from Red Bull.

The German had helped lead Renault's development through the midfield pack since 2017, although this season has been frustrating for the team as unreliability has thwarted them in a year that they had expected to make moves towards the top three.

Instead, they head to Belgium this week sixth in the constructors' standings behind both Toro Rosso and engine customer McLaren, who have more than double the points of the manufacturer.

Hulkenberg was 'best of the rest' in the drivers' championship behind Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull's pilots, but has scored points in just four of 12 races so far this season.

Regardless, in a series of tweets posted shortly after Renault's announcement, the German suggested that on-track matters weren't the only factor in the decision.

It's a pity that the journey with Renault will end after the season, especially as we haven't been able to reach our goals yet. We had hoped to take another step forward this season, but unfortunately we haven't managed that so far. pic.twitter.com/uj24YC7A6s

— Nico Hülkenberg (@HulkHulkenberg) August 29, 2019

It is well known that the choice of drivers is not only about performance, it is a whole bundle of factors. But that's the way it is. Surely we would all have liked to see it differently..

— Nico Hülkenberg (@HulkHulkenberg) August 29, 2019

.. but nevertheless, I'll keep my focus and try to reach the maximum success for our team in the remaining races!

With regard to 2020, I am confident to find a good solution, but there is nothing to announce at the moment.

? @KymIllman

— Nico Hülkenberg (@HulkHulkenberg) August 29, 2019

Hulkenberg has been mentioned as a potential target for Haas, where Romain Grosjean has been struggling, possibly uniting him with former verbal sparring partner Kevin Magnussen.