Sauber announced earlier this week that it was entering a partnership with a trio of Russian companies, in a move that it hopes will secure its long-term future.

Hulkenberg, who spoke recently of the ‘difficult’ situation the team faced, is openly considering options elsewhere for 2014 amid the tough times the team has had on and off track this year.

However, he thinks the Russian deal is a huge positive for the team – as he pins hopes that an upgrade package coming for Hungary will deliver another step forward in performance.

“I think it is positive news for the team and it was needed,” said the German.

“I didn’t have all the details about what was happening, and it was the management’s situation, but I knew that we didn’t have the budget like the top teams.

“Beyond that, I was here to do my job and I was concentrating on focusing on getting the best out of the package we have – and making the most of that.”