Nico Hülkenberg, one of the unluckiest drivers in F1, managed to finish on the podium at the British GP.
The German never finished on the podium, despite being in Formula 1 for over fifteen seasons. He became first German on the podium since Vettel in Azerbaijan 2021.
A convenient pit stop, mixed weather conditions and a happy Hulk in Parc Fermé
Today, Sauber’s Hülkenberg put an end to his drought by outpacing the British seven-time World Champion, Lewis Hamilton. In a stunning performance, the German also managed to set the fastest lap on lap 46.
Speaking to the media in Parc Fermé, Hülkenberg admitted that he is content to finally finish on the podium.
“Yeah, good. It’s been a long time coming, hasn’t it? Yeah, it was new, you know, we have it in us, I have it in me somewhere.”
The weather conditions played a huge role in today’s Grand Prix. Hülkenberg started on the last row, P19, and climbed up the ladder with every opportunity the conditions presented.
“So, yeah, I mean, what a race, coming from virtually last, you know, doing it all over again from last weekend. It’s pretty surreal, to be honest. Not sure how it all happened, but obviously crazy conditions, mixed conditions.”
Throughout the race, many drivers had to retire. The rain didn’t make it easy for the drivers to keep their cars on track due to the lack of grip. Sauber’s tyre strategy was one of the factors behind his performance.
“It was, you know, a survival fight for a lot of the race. I think we just were, yeah, really on it, the right course, the right tyres, in the right moment, made no mistakes. And, yeah, quite incredible.”
His 239th race turned into his maiden-podium finish
He made his debut with Williams 15 years ago, but never managed to see the view from the podium. Today, he outpaced many of his opponents, but he knew not to get ahead of himself, as the pit stop was a risky decision.
“Yeah, I mean, today, you know, right till, I think, I was in denial till, like, probably the last pit stop, you know. And then when I heard we gapped Lewis quite a bit with the one extra lap, I was like, OK, you know, this is good. This is some breathing space, but then, you know, he was catching quite quickly.” he admitted
“So, yeah, the pressure was there, it was an intense race, but, like I said, we didn’t crack, no mistakes. And I was really, really happy with that.”
Hülkenberg knew that Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton would be tough to keep behind him. Hamilton would’ve won his 10th British Grand Prix today, which added to the German’s pressure.
“Yeah, I was thinking that, you know, obviously he’s going to give it all here in front of his home crowd. And I was like, you know, sorry guys, but, you know, it’s also my day. I got to, you know, stick my neck out and, yeah, super happy.”
“And thank you very much for the great energy and support here every year.”
Today felt like a victory for the German racing driver: a maiden podium and becoming the fan favourite of the race.
