Nico Hulkenberg to leave Force India as Renault speculation increases

The German is expected to join Renault for the 2017 season

Nico Hulkenberg is expected to join Renault after confirming he will leave Force India (Getty)

German driver Nico Hulkenberg is leaving the Force India team at the end of the Formula One season amid speculation he will join Renault.

Force India said in a statement on Friday that 29-year-old Hulkenberg was leaving "to pursue other opportunities within Formula One."

There are four races left, and Hulkenberg sits in ninth place in the drivers' standings.

In 113 races, Hulkenberg has a best finish of fourth place, which he has achieved three times.

Force India has been linked with a move for 20-year-old French driver Esteban Ocon for next season.

Ocon, a former Renault reserve driver, is racing for the Manor team.

AP