Sauber’s Nico Hulkenberg is “ecstatic” to have ended his 239-race wait for a F1 podium after he finished third at the 2025 British Grand Prix.
Hulkenberg began the race from 19th on the grid but managed to calmly take advantage of a chaotic start and brief heavy rain shower to quietly climb to third with an well-executed two stop strategy, which he held to the checkered flag.
The podium marked Hulkenberg’s first in F1 – after he last stood on the single-seater podium in the GP2 Portuguese Feature Race which he won in September 2009 whilst he took that season’s title, plus Sauber’s first top-three finish since 2012 Japanese GP with Kamui Kobayashi.
Post-race, Hulkenberg admitted that he was “ecstatic” to achieve a “special” podium which left him speechless as he praised his team for the strategy to fend off 2024 winner, Lewis Hamilton by 5.070 seconds.
“That first podium feeling… I cannot put it into words. It was such an intense race with changing conditions all the time, and you always feel like you are right on the edge.
“We made the right calls today, especially stopping later for slicks — that decision was crucial and made all the difference.”
The 37-year-old German also spoke of his battle with Hamilton but felt that if it had been a dry race then he wouldn’t of been in that position.
“The battle with Lewis in the final stint was really intense. He was closing the gap, but I managed to keep him behind and even pull away a little as the tyres came in. I think if it had been a dry race, the day would have looked very different for us, but we made the most of the conditions and took every opportunity.”
Hulkenberg’s achievement was made all the more remarkable by the fact that he started last on the grid after Alpine opted to start Franco Colapinto from the pit lane, which wasn’t lost on the German who felt that he needs some time to process the podium finish.
“Starting from last on the grid and finishing on the podium honestly feels kind of surreal. It’s going to take a few days, a few moments, to process everything and take it all in. It’s been a great team effort from start to finish, and I am really proud of what we achieved together.”
The result propelled Sauber up to sixth in the constructors’ standings with Team Principal, Jonathan Wheatley delighted with Hulkenberg’s “overdue podium”, as he praised the team for taking advantage of the wet-to-dry conditions.
“The most overdue podium in F1 history and the first podium for the team since Japan in 2012. This was a weekend of highs and lows but ultimately, we pulled it all together and when the opportunity was there, we grabbed it with both hands.”
Wheatley also credited Hulkenberg for his “masterclass” drive to become the first Sauber driver to go from 19th on the grid to the podium.
“Nico drove a masterclass today. From starting in 19th to P3 this was the lowest ever starting position for a podium finisher in Sauber’s 32-year history and after 239 Grand Prix starts, Nico delivered the goods. No driver is more deserving of a podium than Nico.”
Hulkenberg’s teammate, Gabriel Bortoleto retired on lap 4 after he suffered a spin at Farm which ultimately caused him to stop on the old pit exit out of Copse, but the Brazilian was proud to have witnessed Hulkenberg’s drive from the pit wall.
“Seeing him fight for the podium and achieve this result after so many years in Formula One means a lot.
He is the best teammate I have ever worked with — both as a driver and as a person — and he absolutely deserves this moment: I am genuinely happy for him. It’s a special day for the team and, even though my own race didn’t go to plan, I am proud to be part of this.”
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