Nico Hulkenberg’s long-awaited first Formula 1 podium at the British Grand Prix sparked widespread celebration and admiration across the paddock, with fellow drivers and team members hailing the popular German’s breakthrough moment.
There was a genuine sense of joy and respect from his peers, with several noting his consistency and skill had deserved this reward for years.
The Sauber driver launched from 19th on the grid after a frustrating qualifying, but he delivered the performance of a lifetime to finally secure the podium that had eluded him throughout his decade-plus F1 career.
Starting on Intermediates, Hulkenberg made an early, decisive switch to a fresh set that vaulted him into fifth.
From there, he continued to pick off rivals in changing conditions, climbing to a richly deserved third place.
He held off a late charge from Lewis Hamilton to end a 238-day streak without a podium finish.
Afterwards, Fernando Alonso and Carlos Sainz were among those who paid tribute to Hulkenberg, both describing him as one of the most underrated talents in F1.
The Williams driver, a former Renault team-mate of Hulkenberg back in 2018, said he never questioned his talent, even if some did because of his long wait for a podium.
“Congrats – he must have done a very solid race to be up there in P3,” Sainz told media including Motorsport Week.
“Honestly, for me, the fact that people kept cursing him, the fact that he didn’t have any podiums, for me it was completely irrelevant.
“For me, he’s always been a top-five driver in the grid every time he’s been in F1 – his level of talent and race execution is incredible.
“I was his team-mate at the time and the fact that he didn’t have a podium was just circumstantial. So I’m glad he has his podium now to shut up everyone that doubted him.
“For me, I never doubted him and I knew he was one day going to be on the podium.”
F1 stars praise Hulkenberg’s long-awaited breakthrough at Silverstone
Alonso, who finished ninth, highlighted the importance of making the right calls in such unpredictable conditions.
“I started P7, finished P9. Nico started P19, finished P3. So I think if you get it right, we know in these mixed conditions how good the result could be,” the Spaniard said.
“I mean it’s the first podium I think for him, so super happy for him.
“One of the best drivers on the grid that never had the opportunity to have a proper car underneath. I’m very, very truly happy for him, so I hope he enjoys today.”
Max Verstappen, despite a frustrating race that saw him spin out of contention for victory and finish fifth, also made sure to recognise the scale of Hulkenberg’s achievement
“Yeah, fantastic, I’m really happy for him,” Verstappen said. “Yeah, it was very nice to see because when you’re in F1 for such a long time and you have not been on the podium, and being so close a few times, I think this is pretty special for him.
“I think for Nico, I think he’s quite relaxed in that sense. He knows what he can do. He has shown that in the past, before Formula 1 and in Formula 1, but for whatever reason, it didn’t work out up until now.
“He’ll take it and he will be very happy, but I think he knows how good he is.
“The podium does not suddenly say that you are a lot better. It’s just really nice for him to at least be on an F1 podium.”
The result is significant not just for the 37-year-old, who climbs to ninth in the Drivers’ Standings, but also for Sauber, who move up to sixth in the Constructors’ Championship, now just 18 points behind Williams.
READ MORE – Sauber: Nico Hulkenberg has ‘monkey off his back’ with F1 British GP podium
great result for nico who is often underated. great to see max making a point o going over to congratulate him as he got out of his car…..but sad that neither lando or Oscar showed such congratulary signs
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