Nico Hulkenberg ends unwanted streak with first podium at British GP: “I was in denial”

After 238 Formula 1 race starts, Nico Hulkenberg has finally scored his first podium, finishing third in the British Grand Prix.

The German driver had held the unfortunate record of the most starts without a podium finish, but the ever-growing period has ended today. Having entered his rookie F1 season in 2010, it’s been a long time coming for Hulkenberg, who couldn’t have smiled more as he reflected on the moment while speaking to Jenson Button after the race.

“[It feels] good. It’s been a long time coming, hasn’t it? 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. 

“It’s pretty surreal, to be honest. I’m not sure how it all happened, but obviously crazy, mixed conditions.”

The Silverstone circuit saw a chaotic, drenched race. However, the 37-year-old driver kept his head down and navigated through the field after starting last on the grid. 

Nico Hulkenberg, Sauber

Photo by: Zak Mauger / LAT Images via Getty Images

“It was a survival fight for a lot of the race. I think we just were really on it with the right calls, the right tyres in the right moment, made no mistakes. Quite incredible. 

“I was in denial until probably the last pit stop, but then when I heard we gapped Lewis quite a bit with the one extra lap, I was like, ‘ok, this is good, this is some breathing space.’ 

“But then he was catching quite quickly, so the pressure was there. It was an intense race but we didn’t crack, no mistakes, and obviously really, really happy with that.”

“I was thinking that he’s going to give it all in front of his home crowd, and I was like, ‘sorry guys, but it’s also my day.’ I had to stick my neck out. I’m super happy.”

Lando Norris crossed the line to take his first victory at his home race. Joining Norris and Hulkenberg on the podium was Oscar Piastri, who finished in second.

Photos from British GP – Race