Nico Hulkenberg will stay on with Force India until at least the end of the 2017 season, the British-based Formula One team announced Tuesday.

"Sahara Force India is delighted to announce the signing of a two-year contract extension with Nico Hulkenberg," a statement on the team's website read.

The highly rated German, who became the first active F1 driver to win at Le Mans in over two decades earlier this year, had been linked with Ferrari to replace Kimi Raikkonen next season and was also touted as a possible driver for new American outfit Haas.

Instead he has decided to stay on at Force India, who are currently sixth in the Grand Prix constructors' standings with 49 points. Hulkenberg is 12th in the drivers' championship with 24 points.