While Renault may not be too phased by the departure of Team Principal, Frederic Vasseur last week, the Frenchman opting to leave the team after just one season in the top job, new signing Nico Hulkenberg had a hard time accepting the fact that the man that brought him to the team, wouldn't be there to see him race.
"I am close to Nico and I put a lot of efforts in getting him drive for Renault," he explained to Canal Sport. "I think my decision to leave the team was best because it was not working, it's clear. Nico and I talked a lot about my decision."
"He's been very supportive. My decision was hard for him to accept, but he is fully involved and he will give his best. That's a reason why I wanted him in the team. I think he's one of the most talented drivers I've seen in the junior series for the past 10 years.
This would not have been the first time Nico and Vasseur would have worked together after the young German raced to title glory in the 2009 GP2 season, his first in the series with Vassuer's ART GP team, something that Vasseur believes makes him championship winning material.
"Only three drivers captured the GP2 title in their rookie season: Lewis Hamilton, Nico Rosberg and Nico Hulkenberg. I think Nico is one of the few drivers who can win the world championship."
