Nico Hulkenberg, a veteran of Formula 1, finally shed the unwanted record of most race starts without a podium finish, securing a well-deserved third place at the 2025 British Grand Prix at Silverstone. This was Hulkenberg's first podium in his 239th race start. The Kick Sauber driver's achievement was made even more remarkable by starting from 19th on the grid in a race filled with unpredictable weather conditions.
The Silverstone race was a dramatic affair, with mixed conditions creating opportunities for strategic gambles and heroic drives. McLaren's Lando Norris took the victory in front of his home crowd, with teammate Oscar Piastri finishing second after a controversial penalty. Piastri had led for a significant portion of the race but was handed a 10-second time penalty for a safety car infringement. Max Verstappen, who started on pole, spun and dropped down the order, eventually finishing fifth.
Hulkenberg's journey to the podium was a testament to his experience and the Sauber team's strategic decisions. The German driver timed his pit stops perfectly, particularly his switch to intermediate tires, which allowed him to gain crucial positions. He then overtook Aston Martin's Lance Stroll to grab the third spot. In the closing stages of the race, Hulkenberg faced intense pressure from Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton, but he held his nerve on worn intermediate tires to secure his long-awaited podium finish.
"It's been a long time coming, hasn't it?" Hulkenberg said after the race. "But I always knew we have it in us, I have it in me, somewhere". He acknowledged the challenging conditions and the team's execution, stating, "Not sure how it all happened, but obviously crazy conditions, mixed conditions. It was a survival fight for a lot of the race. I think we were really on it. The right calls, the right tires at the right moment, made no mistakes. Quite incredible".
The podium finish was not only a personal triumph for Hulkenberg but also a significant moment for the Sauber team, marking their first podium since 2012. It also propelled Sauber up in the constructors' championship standings.
Hulkenberg's career has been marked by consistent performances and a reputation as a reliable driver. However, a podium finish in Formula 1 had always eluded him, despite a Le Mans 24 Hours victory in 2015. He debuted in F1 in 2010 and has driven for Williams, Force India, Sauber, Renault, Haas, and Racing Point (as a replacement driver). In 2025, he returned to Sauber, which is set to become Audi's factory team in 2026. Hulkenberg's move to Sauber is seen as a key part of Audi's preparation for their entry into Formula 1, with his experience expected to be invaluable.
The British Grand Prix result signifies a turning point in Hulkenberg's F1 career, removing the weight of the unwanted record and highlighting his enduring talent and determination.
