After an astonishing 239 Formula 1 starts, Nico Hulkenberg finally broke his long-standing streak of podium absence by clinching third place at the 2025 British Grand Prix. The German driver’s remarkable feat at Silverstone not only ended the unwanted record for the most race starts without a podium but also marked a triumphant moment for Sauber, who secured their first podium finish since 2012.
Hulkenberg’s journey to this breakthrough has been one of perseverance and resilience. Having debuted in F1 back in 2010 with Williams, the 37-year-old had often been on the cusp of glory but was frequently thwarted by circumstance, strategic errors, or sheer bad luck. His career, dotted with moments of brilliance such as his stellar defense against Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso in Korea 2013 and a pole position at Interlagos in 2010 under tricky conditions, was nevertheless overshadowed by the absence of a podium finish.
Starting last on the grid at Silverstone, with only Franco Colapinto officially behind him, Hulkenberg faced a daunting task in the chaotic, rain-soaked race. The conditions demanded not only skill but strategic acumen, and Hulkenberg’s Sauber team executed flawlessly. "It was a survival fight for a lot of the race," Hulkenberg reflected. "We just were really on it, the right calls, the right tyres in the right moment, made no mistakes, and quite incredible." This perfect execution allowed him to navigate through the field and position himself on the podium.
As the race neared its climax, Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time world champion and last year’s British GP winner, loomed ominously behind Hulkenberg. Hamilton’s pace was formidable, and many expected him to overtake the Sauber driver. Yet, Hulkenberg held firm, even increasing his gap in the final laps. "I was in denial until probably the last pit stop," Hulkenberg admitted. "Then when I heard we gapped Lewis quite a bit with the one extra lap, I was like, okay, this is good. It’s some breathing space. But then he was catching quite quickly, so the pressure was there. It was an intense race. But we didn’t crack, no mistakes. And obviously really, really happy with that."
Hulkenberg’s determination was palpable as he acknowledged the challenge of competing against Hamilton on his home turf. "I was thinking that he's going to give it all in front of his home crowd, and I was like, 'sorry guys, but it’s also my day. I got to stick my neck out.'" The German’s grit paid off, earning him not only his maiden podium but also the prestigious title of Driver of the Day for his exceptional performance in tough conditions.
The podium was completed by McLaren’s Lando Norris, who celebrated his first home victory, and teammate Oscar Piastri, who finished second despite a ten-second penalty for braking under the safety car. Hulkenberg, Norris, and Piastri were each presented with unique Lego Brick trophies, a playful nod to the race’s unpredictable nature. When Piastri jokingly asked Hulkenberg how it felt to wait 15 years for an F1 trophy only to receive one made of Lego, the veteran driver smiled and replied, "I like Lego! My daughter can play with it too!" Hulkenberg’s three-year-old daughter, Noemi, will surely cherish this memento as much as her father.
This podium finish is especially significant for Sauber, who will transform into Audi’s works team next season. Hulkenberg’s presence offers the German manufacturer a seasoned German driver to lead their F1 resurgence. The 15 points Hulkenberg earned moved Sauber up to sixth in the constructors’ championship, highlighting the team’s upward trajectory.
Reflecting on his career, Hulkenberg acknowledged the long wait and the challenges faced. "It’s been a long time coming, hasn’t it? But I always knew we have it in us, I have it in me somewhere. What a race coming from virtually last, doing it all over again from last weekend. It’s pretty surreal, to be honest. Not sure how it all happened, but obviously crazy, mixed conditions." His journey has been marked by near misses, including a painful spin at Hockenheim in 2019 and a collision with Hamilton at Interlagos in 2012, moments that could have altered his career trajectory had luck been kinder.
Despite these setbacks, Hulkenberg has remained a respected figure in the paddock, known for his mature, dependable racing style and remarkable tyre management skills. His stand-in appearances for Racing Point/Aston Martin between 2020 and 2022 kept him relevant, and his strong performances for Haas paved the way for his current role at Sauber.
As the sport looks ahead, Hulkenberg’s breakthrough podium serves as a reminder that persistence and skill can eventually rewrite even the most stubborn narratives. With Sauber’s transition to Audi on the horizon and Hulkenberg at the helm, the German driver’s story is far from over. Whether this podium is the first of many or a singular career highlight, it has undoubtedly silenced the doubters and celebrated the enduring spirit of a seasoned F1 competitor.
The Formula 1 calendar now turns to the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps on July 27, where fans will eagerly watch to see if Hulkenberg can build on this hard-earned success. For now, Silverstone will be remembered as the venue where Nico Hulkenberg finally stepped onto the podium, ending a 15-year wait and a record that once seemed destined to define his career.
