Hulkenberg Secures First F1 Podium at British Grand Prix
Nico Hulkenberg’s third-place finish at the British Grand Prix marks a historic milestone, ending the longest wait for a podium in Formula 1 history after 239 race starts. Following the race, the emotional Hulkenberg expressed gratitude over the radio, responding to his teammate, Gabriel Bortoleto, who praised him as a legend.
Starting from 19th on the grid, Hulkenberg navigated a rain-soaked Silverstone circuit, displaying remarkable perseverance and skill amidst challenging conditions. "Thank you very much, appreciate that from you," Hulkenberg replied to Bortoleto’s words of encouragement as he processed the enormity of the achievement.
This podium finish is a significant moment for Sauber, the team’s first since Kamui Kobayashi’s third place at the 2012 Japanese Grand Prix. Recently, the team has seen a resurgence, with Bortoleto scoring points in the previous race and Hulkenberg consistently outperforming expectations, even scoring more in recent races than both Red Bull drivers.
Carlos Sainz acknowledged Hulkenberg’s talent, declaring him a top-five driver throughout his career. Max Verstappen reflected on the special nature of Hulkenberg’s podium, given his long journey in the sport. Oscar Piastri, despite a disappointing race, also congratulated Hulkenberg, highlighting the significance of the moment.
Sauber team principal Jonathan Wheatley praised Hulkenberg’s performance as one of the best Silverstone drives he has witnessed. "It feels like he should have been getting them all his career," he remarked, emphasizing the significance of finally celebrating a podium.
As the Sauber team celebrated their well-deserved success, the podium finish provides a promising outlook for the future, especially with Audi’s impending takeover of the team in 2026.
