Renault is still evaluating its options for 2017, with previous targets Stoffel Vandoorne, Carlos Sainz and Sergio Perez having already been signed up elsewhere.

With current driver Kevin Magnussen having agreed to give Renault another fortnight to finalise its plan, it is understood that Hulkenberg is weighing up the situation.

For although he has already committed for next season, it is believed there is scope for him to escape if he wishes.

Hulkenberg has not talked at length about the situation, but intriguingly declined to confirm that he will definitely be committed to Force India next season.

"I have heard those rumours," he said about the Renault speculation. "But rumours are rumours and facts are facts."

When asked to clarify then whether he was 100 percent committed to Force India for 2017, Hulkenberg said: "I think so, yeah…."

Pushed further on whether he thinks or knows so, he said: "A bit of both…"

It is clear, however, that despite the lure of a manufacturer like Renault, Hulkenberg is also upbeat about the potential of Force India.

"It is a great team," he said. "I have been with this team since 2011, apart from 2013, and it's a great bunch of people. I love working with them, it is a great environment.

"We are not a manufacturer. It is a private team so a nice, cosy good atmosphere. But at the same time very professional. I enjoy being part of it.

"Every year so far we have grown together and really established ourselves as one of the best teams right behind the top teams and we have come a long way together."

When asked if fourth place in the constructors' championship is a peak of what the team can achieve, Hulkenberg said: "It is tough to say.

"I think to be able to achieve that, there has to be a change also – budget, resources. There has to be some changes and progress in many aspects. So whether that is going to happen, realistic or not, is tough to say."

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