On July 6, 2025, Nico Hulkenberg achieved a historic milestone by earning his first Formula 1 podium finish at the British Grand Prix, marking his 239th race start since debuting in 2010. The 37-year-old German driver, representing the Sauber team, started from 19th on the grid at Silverstone and finished third, overcoming challenging wet and dry conditions. Lando Norris of McLaren won the race, with teammate Oscar Piastri taking second place, while Hulkenberg held off a late challenge from Lewis Hamilton, who finished fourth in his first Silverstone race with Ferrari. The podium ended Hulkenberg’s long-standing record for the most race starts without a top-three finish, a mark previously held for over a decade. Strategic pit stops, including a critical switch to intermediate tires on lap 9, played a key role in his success, allowing him to capitalize on the changing weather. Sauber, now preparing for its transition to the Audi works team in 2026, celebrated its first podium in 13 years, with Hulkenberg moving to ninth in the drivers’ championship standings. The race featured multiple safety cars and dramatic moments, including a spin by Max Verstappen, who finished fifth. Hulkenberg’s performance earned him the Driver of the Day accolade, and his team received a gesture of respect when Mercedes gifted them champagne post-race. The event, part of the 2025 season’s 12th race, highlighted Hulkenberg’s resilience, with the next race scheduled for July 25, 2025, at Spa-Francorchamps.
34news.online
34news.online
