Nico Hülkenberg had to wait 15 years and 239 races for his big moment. In Silverstone, the 37-year-old Formula 1 driver finally landed on the podium-and got respect from all sides.
While the Champanger cork was already popping in the team, Nico Hülkenberg was still on “microphone tour”. The German received the extent of his almost historical act directly on Sunday (06.07.2025) at the F1 Grand Prix in Great Britain. A driver had never had to wait for his first podium in Formula 1 history. It was only in the 239th race, 15 years after the start of his career, Hülkenberg was allowed to go to the grandstand for the winning ceremony, received a trophy (because of a sponsor it was from Lego stones) and was allowed to start the champagne shower.
The 37-year-old himself believed that it actually happened shortly before the end. “Only after the last pit stop did I feel that it was going that it is enough“, Hülkenberg admitted in the” Sky “interview. And it was enough. After three fourth places (2016 in Belgium, 2013 in Korea and 2012 in Belgium) we finally went to the podium – and after a completely failed qualifying with 19th and penultimate place.
For months increasing tendency
Just like in the previous Grand Prix of Austria. The last row was still in ninth place. The upward trend with top ten placements in Spain (5th) and Canada (8th) was already recognizable. Now it went even further forward and team boss Jonathan Wheastley was happy about the “at” Sky “about the”Most overdue podium of the Formula 1 history. Nico delivered a masterpiece, an incredible performance.“
In a mixture of happiness, good racing plan and strong racing, the German deserved success and kept record world champion Lewis Hamilton in the final phase of the race, which was not the first time since 2014 on his home course in Silverstone. “To drive onto the podium from the back of the grid, it is not lucky, but a solid racing performance“, also praised clean managing director Mattia Binotto the appearance of his Routniers.
Verstappen is waiting with the departure
Many other Formula 1 protagonists also congratulated. Day winner Lando Norris, who himself had to celebrate with his first success with the home Grand Prix, Hülkenberg still paid tribute in the “winning room”. Ralf Schumacher, six-time Grand Prix winner, was happy as an expert at “Sky” for his compatriot: “It was much more than a victory for Nico Hülkenberg. After such a long time, but also from then to implement it and always be in the right place at the right time. Mega!”
The Mercedes team sent a bag with champagne bottles and colleague Max Verstappen, this time not at the forefront with fifth place, promised to wait with the start to wait until Hülkenberg had done all the compulsory appointments-and then celebrated monaco when the return flight was agreed together. Verstappen also said: “Madness is the positive that day, I’m very happy for Nico.“
Good perspective for the veteran
“It’s a good thing that there is now a two -week break. Then I can let it sink a little“, said the Emmericher. 15 years of waiting for a long time. And the change to this season was too clean.
Perhaps it will be celebrated more often until then. The next chance will be at the Grand Prix of Belgium on July 27th in Spa, where the weather has been flushing the classification properly – and Hülkenberg has already become twice there.