Both the departing Nico Hulkenberg and Sergio Perez have hailed an “amazing job” from Force India after the team sealed fourth place in the constructors’ standings at the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
After finishing fifth in 2015, the Silverstone outfit have triumphed in a season-long duel with fellow Mercedes customers Williams to clinch a lucrative fourth place.
Hulkenberg and Perez came home seventh and eighth at Yas Marina, ultimately winding up 35 points clear of their rivals as Felipe Massa took ninth and Valtteri Bottas retired.
It was of course a fond farewell for the Renault-bound Hulkenberg, who brushed off turn one contact with Max Verstappen to sign off with a strong haul of points.
Reflecting on the race, the German said: “It was quite a simple and lonely race actually, mainly racing with my teammate because the top six cars were just out of reach.
“Turn one was quite interesting because I got hit by Max [Verstappen], which damaged the floor of my car and made things a bit more difficult. Fortunately we had the pace to hold position and bring home the result.
“It’s great to end my time at Force India with a strong result and help the team finish fourth in the championship. Everybody deserves congratulations and big credit for the amazing job this year.”
The 29-year old also expressed his pride at his achievements over the course of his most recent three-year spell with the midfield runners, largely characterised by his pursuit of an elusive maiden F1 podium.
“I leave this team with lots of happy memories and Force India will always be a part of my life. I’ve learned a huge amount here and they have made me a better racing driver. We’ve grown up together and I’m proud of what we have achieved.”
Perez, who will partner Esteban Ocon next year, was satisfied with the end to what he labelled an “incredible year”, with podiums in Monaco and Baku the highlights.
“I am pleased with my race,” the Mexican said. “I finished where I started and it was a quiet race for most of it, but it got a bit tense in the final laps when I had to fend off Felipe [Massa]. I pushed really hard at the beginning of my stints, trying to close the gap to Nico, but in the end I finished just behind him.
“It was great to finish the season with some points and to end an incredible year with a good result. Now that the season is over, I will go back to Mexico and enjoy some rest.
“It’s been a long and intense year and I am looking forward to some downtime with friends and family. They’re going to be happy holidays, thinking about what we have achieved this year. I’ll chill out a bit and then it’s back to work for 2017!”
Force India may well struggle to hold station in 2017 amid the anticipated resurgence of McLaren, yet their Mercedes power unit and strong driver line-up will no doubt stand them in good stead as they look to once again steal a march on the midfield pack.
