Rise of the Hülk
Nico Hülkenberg Finally Breaks Through: A Podium 16 Years in the Making
On July 6th, 2025, Nico Hülkenberg did something F1 fans had long waited to see: he finally stood on a Formula 1 podium. After 239 Grand Prix starts, countless close calls, and years of perseverance, the German driver claimed a stunning third place at the British Grand Prix in Silverstone.
The Longest Wait in F1 History
Hülkenberg's podium ends the longest-ever wait for a top-three finish in F1 history. Since debuting in 2010 with Williams, he's been a respected figure on the grid—fast, gifted, and consistently competitive. Yet the podium had always slipped away. Starting P19 in messy, mixed-weather conditions, Hülkenberg delivered one of the drives of the season. His flawless decision-making and tire management helped him carve through the field and bring home P3. It wasn't just a personal triumph—it marked Sauber's first podium since 2012—a masterclass in grit, patience, and racing IQ.
Career by the Numbers
As of the 2025 British GP:
Race Starts: 239 (most without a podium until now)
Laps Completed: Over 12,000
Teams: Williams, Force India, Renault, Racing Point, Haas, Stake-Sauber
These stats paint the picture of a driver who's spent most of his career battling in the midfield—always just outside the spotlight, yet never short on talent. Hülkenberg has consistently shown flashes of brilliance and racecraft worthy of the sport's elite.
For Hülkenberg, this wasn't just a long-overdue trophy—it was emotional and symbolic of a much deeper significance. The moment was made even sweeter by the quirky Lego-built podium trophy and the overwhelming support from across the paddock. On the team radio, he said: "I don't think I can comprehend what we've just done, oh my God." Teammate Gabriel Bortoleto jumped on the radio as well: "Nico, it's Gabi. You have no idea how happy I am for you. You're a legend. Insane what you did today."
With Audi's factory team arrival on the horizon, this could mark a turning point in Hülkenberg's late-career resurgence. Whether or not more podiums follow, this one will be remembered for years to come.
The day Nico Hülkenberg finally silenced the doubters—and gave Formula 1 one of its most feel-good moments in recent memory.
