Nico Hulkenberg Ends Record Drought With Career-First F1 Podium At Silverstone

Last Updated:July 06, 2025, 22:37 IST

Nico Hulkenberg ended his record of most F1 starts without a podium by finishing third at the British Grand Prix, moving from 19th to third in chaotic weather.

Nico Hulkenberg celebrating his first-ever podium finish (AP)

Nico Hulkenberg finally ended one of Formula 1’s most unfortunate records, delivering a stunning drive from 19th on the grid to secure his maiden podium finish — at his 239th Grand Prix start.

Driving for the underdog Kick Sauber team, Hulkenberg defied all odds and adverse weather conditions to claim third place at a wet and wild Silverstone.

The German, long known as the driver with the most F1 starts without a top-three finish, turned that narrative on its head in unforgettable fashion.

Making his debut in 2010, Hulkenberg’s wait has spanned over a decade. But on Sunday, the 37-year-old finally stood where he had always dreamed — on the podium.

“Good. It’s been a long time coming, hasn’t it?" Hulkenberg said with a smile during his post-race interview with Jenson Button.

“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. I’m not sure how it all happened, but obviously crazy, mixed conditions."

Masterclass in Chaos

The British Grand Prix saw treacherous and unpredictable weather wreak havoc across the grid. But Hulkenberg kept his cool, making smart strategy calls and executing decisive overtakes as the rain came and went.

As the track dried and drivers moved to slick tyres, race leader Oscar Piastri served a penalty during his pit stop, allowing Lando Norris to inherit the lead. From there, the McLaren driver cruised to victory, finishing 6.812 seconds ahead of Piastri.

Behind them, Hulkenberg’s gritty charge through the field culminated in a dramatic battle with Lewis Hamilton, ultimately denying the British star a record-extending 13th consecutive Silverstone podium.

“I was thinking that he’s going to give it his all here, in front of his home crowd," Hulkenberg said of Hamilton.

“And I was like, sorry guys, but it’s also my day. I got to stick my neck out."

A Long-Awaited Moment

After years of near-misses and frustration, Hulkenberg’s resilience was finally rewarded in front of a packed Silverstone crowd.

“Super happy. And thank you very much for the great energy and support here every year," he said to the fans, visibly moved.

Siddarth Sriram

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term...Read More

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term...

Read More

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