Nico gets 10 points for Force India in final race with team
History was beckoning the young German when he was locked in an intesne race-lead battle with Mercedes' bound Lewis Hamilton but an overtaking manoeuvre in lap 49 brought him a costly drive through penatly, spoiling his podium chances.
Neverthless, it was a fantastic season for Hulkenberg as he finished 11th in the drivers standing with 63 points, just three behind Sauber's Sergio Perez, and 17 more than teammate Paul di Resta, who was 14th.
Hulkeberg matched his second best result of the season today as he had finshed fifth at the European Grand Prix also.
A career-best fourth place at Belgian Grand Prix was the highlight of his stay at the Indian team.
Hulkenberg had joined Force India in 2011 as a test and reserve driver and was promoted to a race seat this season in place of Adrian Sutil.
He will join Sauber for the 2013 season and will be partnered by Mexican driver Esteban Guti