Nico Hulkenberg has expressed some disappointment after it was confirmed he would leave Renault after this season.
On a day when the 2020 grid started to take shape, Valtteri Bottas was announced as staying at Mercedes with Esteban Ocon the man to replace the German at the French manufacturer.
Having been at Renault three seasons, Hulkenberg has seen the team progress up the midfield order although he will leave after a year when it stalled.
"It's a pity that the journey with Renault will end after the season, especially as we haven't been able to reach our goals yet," he wrote on Facebook.
"We had hoped to take another step forward this season, but unfortunately we haven't managed that so far."
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Though Ocon has previously worked at Renault, it is believed that Mercedes pushed them into signing the Frenchman having backed away from an initial agreement to take him on this season.
And with Hulkenberg's contract coming to an end at the team, the 32-year-old believes politics was the main factor in Renault's decision.
"It is well known that the choice of drivers is not only about performance, it is a whole bundle of factors but that's the way it is," he said.
"Surely we would all have liked to see it differently.. but nevertheless, I'll keep my focus and try to reach the maximum success for our team in the remaining races!
"With regard to 2020, I am confident to find a good solution, but there is nothing to announce at the moment," he concluded.
It is reported that Hulkenberg needed to find a seat for next year before he could leave Renault per his contract and speculation is saying that he'll be confirmed as a Haas driver next weekend at Monza.
