Nico Hulkenberg Emotional on Team Radio as F1 Veteran, 37, Scores First Podium in 239th Race After Starting 19th

July 6, 2025 sportnow

NICO HULKENBERG humorously remarked that it was “a long time coming” as he finally erased a long-standing record for the most Formula 1 starts without a podium finish.

The 37-year-old German achieved this milestone during his 239th race, fending off seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton to secure third place in a thrilling event at Silverstone.

Nico Hulkenberg spraying champagne on the podium. — Nico Hulkenberg choked up as he celebrated scoring an F1 podium for the first time in his careerCredit: Shutterstock Editorial

Driver's view from inside a Formula 1 race car. — The German driver couldn’t believe he had brought an end to a 15-year wait for an F1 podium

Formula 1 driver Nico Hulkenberg celebrating on the podium. — Hulkenberg had waited 239 races to land P3 at Silverstone in 2025Credit: Shutterstock Editorial

Nico Hulkenberg celebrating a third-place finish at the Formula 1 British Grand Prix. — Hulkenberg was swarmed by his team in jubilant celebrationsCredit: EPA

Lando Norris clinched first place at his home Grand Prix, with Oscar Piastri finishing in second after receiving a ten-second penalty for braking abruptly under the safety car.

Hulkenberg began the race in 19th position and had not achieved a podium in any motorsport event since the Le Mans 24 Hours in 2015.

The Sauber driver, who debuted with Williams in 2010, fought back tears on the team radio, stating: “I don’t think I can comprehend what we’ve just done. Oh my god.”

He was seen embracing his team in joyous celebrations at Parc Ferme and shared a welcoming hug with teammate Gabriel Bortoleto, who had crashed earlier in the race.

In a post-race conversation with Jenson Button in front of fans, he expressed: “It feels great. It’s taken a long time, hasn’t it? But I always believed we had it in us, that I had it in me, somewhere.

“What a race it was. Coming from nearly last, doing everything over again from last weekend.

“It feels quite surreal. I’m not certain how it all came together, but it was undoubtedly chaotic with mixed conditions.

“It felt like a survival challenge for most of the race. We made the right calls, chose the right tires at the right times, and made no mistakes – truly incredible.”

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“I was in disbelief until about the last pit stop. When I realized we had pulled a decent gap from Lewis with one extra lap, I thought, ‘Okay, this is looking good, we have some breathing room.’

“But he was closing in quickly, so the pressure was on. It was an intense race, but we remained composed, made no errors, and I’m obviously extremely happy about that.”

Sky Sports had to apologize after Lando Norris swore live on air moments after his emotional victory at the British Grand Prix

“I figured he’d give it everything for his home crowd, and I thought, ‘sorry, but today is also my day.’ I had to assert myself. I’m overjoyed.”

Hulkenberg was among three drivers awarded unique Lego Brick trophies after the race, sharing this honor with McLaren duo Norris and Piastri.

During a press conference alongside Piastri, the former Haas driver jokingly inquired how it felt to wait 15 years for an F1 trophy, only for it to be made of Lego.

In response, the Hulk charmingly shared that he would be letting his three-year-old daughter, Noemi, play with his trophy.

He added: “I love Lego! My daughter can enjoy it too!”