The 2025 F1 British Grand Prix finally delivered Nico Hulkenberg’s podium after 239 race starts, but how did the Kick Sauber driver pull off such a remarkable achievement from P19 amid chaos at Silverstone?
The German veteran delivered a performance that combined experience, composure, and opportunism, rising from 19th on the grid to finish third in one of the most chaotic and rain-affected Formula 1 races in recent memory.
The weekend began with classic British weather casting a shadow over qualifying, as rain disrupted the session and left several drivers including Hulkenberg out of position for the race start.
Hulkenberg’s 19th place grid slot seemed to confirm expectations of another midfield finish, especially given the treacherous conditions forecast for race day. However, as the lights went out it quickly became clear that this would be no ordinary Grand Prix.
The Silverstone circuit, renowned for its high-speed corners and passionate crowd, was transformed by intermittent downpours creating a track that oscillated between slick and soaking, demanding constant change of strategy from drivers and teams alike.
The opening laps set the tone for what would become a race of attrition and opportunity. Incidents began almost immediately with Liam Lawson colliding with Esteban Ocon and triggering the first of several safety car periods.
The field was forced to navigate not just the slippery surface but also the psychological strain of ever-changing conditions, as teams scrambled to select the right tyres for each phase of the race.
Hulkenberg, known throughout his career for his technical feedback and strategic acumen, made a critical decision to start on intermediate tyres. This choice allowed him to make significant progress in the early stages, climbing to eighth by his first pit stop on lap nine, just before the heaviest downpour.
As the rain intensified, chaos unfolded as Multiple drivers slid off the circuit, prompting further safety cars and reshuffling the order.
Hulkenberg found himself in the right place at the right time after staying out while others pitted, gaining valuable track position. By lap 11, as the downpour forced the majority of the field into the pits, his consistency and error-free driving had propelled him to fifth place.
The Kick Sauber team executed a flawless strategy, ensuring that Hulkenberg was able to capitalize on every opportunity presented by the volatile race.
However, the drama was far from over as Oscar Piastri received a 10-second penalty for erratic braking behind the safety car – a move that would ultimately cost him victory – while Max Verstappen spun on the restart and dropped down the order.
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Each of these incidents played into Hulkenberg’s hands, as he maintained his composure and avoided the mistakes that befell others.
A defining moment came when the 37-year old executed a bold overtake on Lance Stroll at Stowe, and with Piastri’s penalty and Verstappen’s misfortune, the door to the podium was suddenly open.
As the race entered its final stages, home favorite Lewis Hamilton closed the gap to Hulkenberg, threatening to deny the German his long-awaited podium.
However, the seasoned driver made no mistakes, managed his tyres, and maintained the pace required to keep the Ferrari at bay ultimately taking the chequered flag in third.
The Hulk’s achievement met with jubilation from the Kick Sauber garage and warm applause from fans including his former teammate Kevin Magnussen.
“[It feels] good. It’s been a long time coming, hasn’t it?” a smiling Hulkenberg told reporters after the F1 British Grand Prix. “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 is pretty surreal to be honest. I’m not sure how it all happened, but obviously crazy, mixed conditions.”
The significance of Nico Hulkenberg’s podium cannot be overstated. Since his Formula 1 debut back in 2010, he had become known as one of the sport’s most consistent performers, scoring points regularly and earning respect for his technical knowledge and adaptability.
Yet, the podium had always eluded him despite coming close on several occasions—his previous best being fourth place, achieved three times. The narrative of “the best driver never to finish on the podium” had followed him for years, making Sunday’s result all the more poignant.
At 37 and after more than a decade of perseverance, Hulkenberg’s moment in the spotlight was not just a personal triumph but a testament to resilience.
