Sauber’s Nico Hulkenberg is “ecstatic” to wait his 239 race for an F1 podium after he finished third at the British Grand Prix 2025.
Hulkenberg started the race from the 19th on the schedule, but managed to take advantage of a chaotic start and short heavy rain shower to quietly climb to the third with a well -executed two stop strategy, which he kept at the checkered flag.
The stage marked Hulkenberg’s first in F1-Nadat, he was last on stage in the GP2 Portuguese job race in September 2009, plus Sauber’s first top three finish since 2012 Japanese GP with Kamui Kobayashi.
Post-Race admitted Hulkenberg that he was ‘ecstatic’ to achieve a ‘special’ stage that made him speechless when he praised his team for the strategy to ward off the winner of the 2024, Lewis Hamilton, with 5,070 seconds.
“That first stage feeling … I can’t put it into words. It was such an intense race with changing circumstances all the time, and you always have the feeling that you are on the edge.
“We made the right phone calls today, especially for Slicks stopping – that decision was crucial and made the difference.”
The 37-year-old German also spoke about his struggle with Hamilton, but felt that if it had been a dry race, he would not have been in that position.
“The battle with Lewis in the last Stint was really intense. He closed the gap, but I managed to keep him behind and even pull away a little when the tires came in. I think if it had been a dry race, the day would have looked very different, but we made most of the conditions and used every opportunity.”
The performance of Hulkenberg was made all the more remarkable by the fact that he started for the last time on the until Alpine chose to start Franco Colapinto from the Pitlane, who was not lost with the German who thought he needed some time to process the stage finish.
“From the latter on the schedule and ending on stage, it honestly feels a bit surreal. It goes a few days, a few moments, to process everything and take everything. It was a great team effort from start to finish, and I am really proud of what we have achieved together.”
The result pushed Sauber up to sixth in the rankings of the constructors with team head, Jonathan Wheatley delighted from Hulkenberg’s “overdue stage”, while praying the team to take advantage of the wet-dry conditions.
“The most overdue stage in F1 history and the first stage for the team since Japan in 2012. This was a weekend of highlights and lows, but in the end we all contracted it and when the chance was there, we grabbed it with both hands.”
Wheatley has also credited Hulkenberg for his “Masterclass” drive to become the first Sauber driver who went to the podium from 19th on the grid.
“Nico rode a master class today. From the 19th to P3 this was the lowest starting position ever for a stage finisher in the 32-year history of Sauber and after 239 Grand Prix started the goods. No driver earns a stage than Nico.”
The teammate of Hulkenberg, Gabriel Bortoleto, withdrew to round 4 after he had a twist on the farm, which eventually stopped the old well output from the Copse, but the Brazilian was proud to have witnessed Hulkenberg’s ride of the well wall.
“Seeing him fighting for the stage and achieving this result after so many years in Formula 1 means a lot.
He is the best teammate with whom I have ever worked – both as a driver and as a person – and he definitely deserves this moment: I am really happy for him. It is a special day for the team and, although my own race did not plan, I am proud to be part of this. “
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