Nico Hulkenberg finally earns first F1 podium after 15 years – Sainz and Alonso praise his talent

Nico Hulkenberg Secures Career-First Podium at British Grand Prix

After 15 seasons in Formula 1, Nico Hulkenberg finally stood on the podium at the British Grand Prix, securing third place in his 239th race. Starting from 19th on the grid in his Sauber, Hulkenberg delivered a stunning drive that earned him his career-first podium and shattered the record for the longest wait for an F1 podium, eclipsing Carlos Sainz's previous mark of 101 races.

The achievement prompted widespread applause from across the paddock, with former teammate Carlos Sainz calling Hulkenberg one of the most talented drivers on the grid—podium or not. Sainz, who partnered with Hulkenberg at Renault during late 2017 and the 2018 season, reiterated that the German driver's skill has always been top-tier.

"Congrats," Sainz said when asked to reflect on Hulkenberg's performance. "He must have done a very solid race to be up there in P3. Honestly, the fact that people kept cursing the fact that he didn't have any podiums—for me, that was completely irrelevant. For me, he's always been a top-five driver on the grid every time he's been in F1, and his level of race execution is incredible."

Sainz went further to credit Hulkenberg's podium drought not to a lack of skill, but rather to the quality of cars he's driven during his career.

"I was his teammate for a time, and the fact that he didn't have a podium was just circumstantial and due to his teams he had driven in. I'm glad he has this podium now to shut everyone up who doubted him. For me, I never doubted him and knew one day he would always be on a podium."

A Long Wait for Recognition

Hulkenberg's perseverance has been tested across 15 seasons, during which he drove for five different teams but never landed a competitive car capable of regular podium contention. Two-time world champion Fernando Alonso echoed Sainz's sentiments, pointing to Hulkenberg's machinery, rather than his ability, as the reason for the long wait.

"I mean, it's the first podium, so I'm super happy for him," Alonso said after the race. "He's one of the best drivers on the grid that never had the opportunity to have a proper car underneath him. I'm very, very, truly happy for him, so I hope he enjoys today."

A Poignant Chapter in Hulkenberg's Career

After enduring more than a decade without a podium finish, Hulkenberg has silenced critics and proven his talent. For many in the paddock, Sunday at Silverstone was a poignant chapter in his career—a testament to resilience and skill overshadowed for years by uncompetitive machinery.

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