May 1, 2025; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Sauber driver Nico Hulkenberg (27) walks in the paddock ahead of the F1 Miami Grand Prix at Miami International Autodrome. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images

formula-1

Nico Hulkenberg Podium- What Drivers Said Post-Race About the Hulk’s P3 Finish?

What the drivers said about Nico Hulkenberg's first Formula 1 podium

The Hulk in no more the driver holding an insulting F1 record- longest career without podiums. After years of persistence and unlucky adventures, Nico Hulkenberg is finally standing on the podium. The race he drove yesterday was no less than magic. In an unforgiving track like Silverstone, Hulk tackled rainy weather, multiple pitstops and safety car restarts to bring in P3 for his team. It was an achievement which he should’ve claimed long ago.

Nico Hulkenberg was not driving a Papaya McLaren, he had no teammate to back him up. The Scarlet Ferrari of Lewis Hamilton was in pursuit behind him chasing the Hulk. In a race where even Oscar Piastri made a fumble owing to anger and pressure, Hulkenberg stayed perfectly on the racing line. The end result was a magical moment that both Hulkenberg and the Sauber garage are going to remember for a long time. Long ago some were doubting that his career in Formula 1 is over. However, Hulk has put a solid full-stop to any such speculations with his latest results.

Drivers React to Nico Hulkenberg Podium During the British Grand Prix 2025

Formula 1 is an intense sport. The drivers engage in ruthless rivalries on track. However, off track their friendships and respect for each other is easily visible. During his interview, Hulkenberg was humble and made an apology to the British fans supporting Lewis Hamilton. Hulkenberg’s impressive drive meant that Hamilton could never force him to make a mistake and complete an overtake.

“Obviously I was thinking that Lewis is going to give it all in front of his home crowd and I was like, ‘Sorry guys – it’s also my day!’ I’ve got to stick my neck out.”

Comfortably the longest wait 🤯#F1 #BritishGP pic.twitter.com/mRcEuNoaEc
— Formula 1 (@F1) July 6, 2025

The drivers were full of respect for their fellow contender’s first podium in Formula 1. It took Nico Hulkenberg 239 races to finally claim a Formula 1 trophy. Unfortunately for Hulkenberg, he never had a masterpiece of Formula 1 car to support his career and take him to the top. In 2025, he is driving one of the slowest cars on the grid.

Here’s what the drivers had to say about the Driver of the Day, celebrating his P3 in Britain-

Your first-ever podium deserves a special team photo! 🤩#F1 #BritishGP @HulkHulkenberg pic.twitter.com/7jww8rHYI6
— Formula 1 (@F1) July 6, 2025

Gabriel Bortoleto–
“Congratulations to Nico! Seeing him fight for the podium and achieve this result after so many years in Formula 1 means a lot. He is the best teammate I have ever worked with — both as a driver and as a person — and he absolutely deserves this moment: I am genuinely happy for him.”

Max Verstappen-
“I think for Nico, I think he’s quite relaxed in that sense. He knows what he can do. He has shown that in the past, before Formula 1 and in Formula 1, but for whatever reason it didn’t work out up until now.”

Oscar Piastri-
“Well done to Nico – I think that’s the highlight of the day.”

Wonderful commentary, beautiful scenes 😍#F1 #BritishGP @stakef1team_ks pic.twitter.com/rgbdm2P1EP
— Formula 1 (@F1) July 6, 2025

Carlos Sainz–
“Honestly, for me, the fact that people kept cursing him, the fact that he didn’t have any podiums, for me it was completely irrelevant. For me, he’s always been a top-five driver in the grid every time he’s been in F1 – his level of talent and race execution is incredible.”

Lewis Hamilton-
“Congratulations to Nico for his podium, it’s a great achievement for him and his team.”

Fernando Alonso–
“I mean it’s the first podium I think for him, so super happy for him. One of the best drivers on the grid that never had the opportunity to have a proper car underneath. I’m very, very truly happy for him, so I hope he enjoys today.”

The reactions of the drivers aptly conclude what every fan in Formula 1 is feeling currently. After his latest result, Nico Hulkenberg is even more pumped up about getting better in upcoming races. He will have a lot of time to celebrate and finally return back to the grid confident and ready to race in Spa Francorchamps.

British GP Results

British Grand Prix 2025

Formula 1

Formula 1 2025 Season

Kick Sauber F1

Nico Hulkenberg

Rohan Singh

nhl

I work as a Writer at The Playoffs specialising in NHL, Formula 1 and Motorsports. I got into online journalism a couple of years ago. I used to be an intern for a website managing their Formula 1 content and then I served an entire year as a contractual writer.