Hulkenberg targeting 2019 F1 title

Nico Hulkenberg says that he is targeting the 2019 Formula 1 title, giving time for his new team Renault to grow and improve their car for top team competitiveness.

Hulkenberg joins Renault for the 2017 season after spending three consecutive years at Force India. Renault re-joined Formula 1 as a car manufacturer in 2016, and have drawn out a plan aiming at long term success.

"Renault has proved in the past what they can do. They have become world champions several times so when the project was presented to me, it was a clear decision to take," he told Germany's Sport Bild.

Hulkenberg wants to help Renault grow into a top manufacturer, and play an intricate part in helping them get there: "What can I do? Turn this project into a success story," he insisted.

"This year we can't expect miracles, and anyone who does fails to understand this sport. But I hope that we can be at the front of the midfield this year, and from 2019 - in two or three years - I want to be ready for the title," said Hulkenberg.

And he said he has no regrets about signing for Renault 'too early' rather than waiting for Nico Rosberg to announce his shock retirement from Mercedes shortly after the season.

"Too early? There were three months in between!" he exclaimed. "I would lie if I said Mercedes would not be tempting, but the timing made it simply not realistic this time. I had signed a long-term agreement with Renault.

"I also want to build something here," Hulkenberg added. "This is a huge challenge for me. I want to fight here and build it up rather than just go into an established team like Mercedes. I regret nothing," he insisted.

Fergal Walsh