Hulkenberg on swap: "The choice of drivers is not only about performance"

Cyril Abiteboul, the boss of Renault wanted to thank Hulkenberg for his "phenomenal involvement and massive contribution" over the past three seasons. 

"I wish to thank Nico for his phenomenal involvement and massive contribution to our progress over the past three seasons. When Nico decided to join us, the team was ninth. He brought us to fourth place last year, and was classified seventh in the drivers’ championship," Abiteboul said.

"The imminent end of his contract made this decision a difficult one as Nico has been a pillar of this progress. The first part of this season has been more challenging, but I know we can count on him and deliver together throughout the second half of the year."