Nico Hulkenberg will leave Force India at the end of the Formula One season amid reports he is set to join Renault.

Force India on Friday confirmed the German will move on after the final race of this year in Abu Dhabi next month.

The 29-year-old returned for a second spell with Force India two years ago, but is now heading for the exit again, with Renault said to be on the verge of confirming his signature.

Force India team principal and managing director Vijay Mallya, said: "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 has earned 54 points for Force India this season, with Renault duo of Kevin Magnussen and Jolyon Palmer mustering just eight between them.