Nico Hülkenberg claims long-awaited first podium at British Grand Prix

Nico Hülkenberg Claims Historic First Podium at British Grand Prix

Silverstone, England – After 239 races and a staggering 5,593 days of waiting, Nico Hülkenberg finally clinched his maiden Formula 1 podium at the British Grand Prix, delivering a performance for the ages at the iconic Silverstone Circuit.

The German driver had become synonymous with the unenviable record for the most race starts without securing a top-three finish — a statistic that had overshadowed his otherwise respectable career. But on Sunday, Hülkenberg ended that streak in emphatic style, overcoming challenging, mixed-weather conditions and showcasing strategic brilliance to bring Sauber its first podium since the 2012 Japanese Grand Prix.

"It’s Been a Long Time Coming"

Overwhelmed with emotion, Hülkenberg’s excitement was evident as he crossed the finish line and spoke over the radio:

"I don’t think I can comprehend what we’ve just done… oh my God!"

Upon stepping out of the car, the 37-year-old driver celebrated with his team and reflected on the magnitude of the achievement.

"It’s been a long time coming, hasn’t it?" Hülkenberg said. "But I always knew we have it in us, I have it in me, somewhere."

The victory was made all the more impressive by the circumstances. Starting from 19th on the grid, Hülkenberg's immaculate drive was bolstered by a well-timed pit stop as rain swept through early in the race. The gamble to change tires during the intensifying rain vaulted him through the field, setting the stage for an unforgettable afternoon.

Holding Off Hamilton for Glory

The climax of the race came late as home favorite and seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton — piloting a Ferrari — began closing the gap to Hülkenberg’s Sauber. But with nerves of steel, Hülkenberg held his ground.

"What a race. Coming from virtually last, doing it all over again from last weekend," said Hülkenberg. "It’s pretty surreal, to be honest. I’m not sure how it all happened, but obviously crazy, mixed conditions.

"It was a survival fight for a lot of the race. I think we just were really on it with the right calls, the right tires at the right moment, made no mistakes — quite incredible."

Hülkenberg admitted he was in disbelief until the final stint.

"I was in denial until probably the last pit stop, but then when I heard we gapped Lewis quite a bit with the one extra lap, I was like, ‘OK, this is good, this is some breathing space.’

"But then he was catching quite quickly, so the pressure was there. It was an intense race, but we didn’t crack, no mistakes, and obviously really, really happy with that."

What added to the drama was the mental tug of war as Hülkenberg raced with Hamilton chasing him in front of a roaring home crowd.

"I was thinking that he’s going to give it all in front of his home crowd, and I was like, ‘Sorry guys, but it’s also my day.’ I had to stick my neck out. I’m super happy."

Support from the Grid

The win earned plaudits across the Formula 1 paddock, none louder than from Hülkenberg’s rookie teammate Gabriel Bortoleto. Moments after the checkered flag fell, Bortoleto couldn’t contain his excitement, jumping on the team’s radio to offer some colorful congratulations:

"Nico, it’s Gabi. Man, you don’t know how happy I am for you! You’re a f---ing legend! Absolutely insane what you did today."

Even Max Verstappen, reigning world champion and fierce competitor, was seen cheering Hülkenberg as they passed each other during the cool-down lap.

A Boost for Sauber

Hülkenberg’s third-place finish brings an important boost for Sauber, propelling the Swiss-based team to sixth in the Constructors’ Championship standings. For a team that has struggled to find its way back to the podium in the past decade, the result is a significant step forward.

A Moment for the History Books

For Hülkenberg, the long wait is finally over, and Sunday at Silverstone will stand as a shining testament to resilience, strategy, and a driver’s refusal to give up.

As the champagne flowed and Hülkenberg took his place on the podium at last, it was clear that this moment was one for the history books — both for the driver and for Formula 1.

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