Nico Hulkenberg achieved a remarkable milestone in his Formula 1 career by finishing third at Silverstone, securing his maiden F1 podium after 239 attempts. This impressive feat is especially noteworthy as it was accomplished from a challenging starting position of 19th on the grid. As the German driver approaches his 38th birthday, this result stands out as a significant achievement in a career that began with his F1 debut in 2010.
Hulkenberg's journey in Formula 1 has not been without its challenges. After being left without a seat at the end of the 2019 season, many believed his time in the sport was over. However, after spending two years on the sidelines with only a few 'super sub' appearances, he received a second chance to return to F1 in 2022 with Haas. Since then, he has demonstrated consistent and strong performances on the track.
In recent races, especially after the introduction of an upgrade package by Kick Sauber, Hulkenberg's performances have significantly improved. Starting from 16th on the grid in Spain, he finished in fifth place. In Canada, he began in 13th and managed to secure an eighth-place finish, while in Austria, he started 20th and climbed to finish ninth. Yet, these results pale in comparison to his stunning drive at Silverstone.
Hulkenberg's teammates and rivals were quick to congratulate him after the race. His teammate, Gabriel Bortoleto, embraced him at the end of the race, expressing his happiness for Hulkenberg's achievement. "Congratulations to Nico! Seeing him fight for the podium means a lot. He is the best teammate I have ever worked with and he absolutely deserves this moment," Bortoleto stated.
Fellow driver Max Verstappen also acknowledged Hulkenberg's accomplishment, saying, "It was nice to see Nico get his first podium, and I’m sure he will be celebrating tonight." Oscar Piastri, who shared the podium with Hulkenberg, noted the significance of the moment, saying, "Well done to Nico – I think that’s the highlight of the day." Despite his own disappointment, Piastri recognized the joy of Hulkenberg's success.
Former teammate Carlos Sainz expressed his admiration for Hulkenberg, stating, "Congrats – he must have done a very solid race to be up there in P3. For me, he’s always been a top-five driver." The sentiments were echoed by James Vowles, the Williams Team Principal, who congratulated Sauber and Hulkenberg on their extraordinary result under challenging conditions.
While Lewis Hamilton was unable to secure a podium himself, he acknowledged Hulkenberg's strong race, stating, "Congratulations to Nico for his podium, it's a great achievement for him and his team." Charles Leclerc and team principal Fred Vasseur also expressed their admiration for Hulkenberg's performance and talent.
In a lighthearted moment during the post-race press conference, Piastri playfully asked Hulkenberg how he felt about his first F1 trophy being made of Lego. To which Hulkenberg responded with a laugh, "I love Lego! It's good. My daughter can play with it too." He added, "You’ve always got to see the bright side. But, you know, a bit of silver or gold would have been nice too, but I won't complain."
Nico Hulkenberg's journey to the podium is not just a personal victory; it is also a testament to resilience and the unpredictable nature of Formula 1. His achievement is sure to inspire many within the sport and beyond.
