Hulkenberg finally breaks undesirable streak after 239 attempts
**Nico Hulkenberg Secures First Formula One Podium After 239 Races**
Nico Hulkenberg, the 37-year-old German driver, made history at the 2025 British Grand Prix when he secured his first podium finish in Formula One after an impressive 15-year career and 239 race starts. The podium finish came with the Swiss-based Sauber team, which has not seen a podium for 13 years.
Starting from a low grid position of 19th, Hulkenberg's remarkable drive in a rain-affected race was aided by strategic tire calls and Sauber's team strategy. This allowed him to climb through the order, eventually finishing third behind McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.
The podium finish marked a significant moment in Hulkenberg's career, as he finally managed to shake off the unwanted record of most race starts without ever standing on the podium. His achievement was described as a tale of triumph against the odds, with team boss Jonathan Wheatley praising Hulkenberg's performance as one of the best he's seen at Silverstone and one of the best he's seen from any driver ever.
Hulkenberg's success was a result of clever strategy and pitting at the right time, as well as making no mistakes during the race. After the race, Hulkenberg expressed surprise and delight over his achievement, attributing his success to the right calls, the right tyres, and no mistakes.
Jonathan Wheatley, visibly emotional when he saw Hulkenberg under the podium, believes that Hulkenberg has proved his talent with his win. Hulkenberg's podium finish also made him Sauber's all-time lowest-starting top-three finisher.
Before Hulkenberg's first podium, he held the record for the most race starts without a podium. This record, which defined a long wait despite Hulkenberg's respected career in F1, has now transferred to former F1 driver Adrian Sutil, highlighting Hulkenberg’s breakthrough and the end of a long-standing statistic.
Hulkenberg began his F1 journey with multiple teams, including Sauber (now Kick Sauber), and had a career known for consistent performances but lacking the final breakthrough to the podium. His historic podium finish at Silverstone is a testament to his endurance, skill, and the strategic capabilities of the Sauber team.
Nico Hulkenberg's impressive podium finish at the British Grand Prix marked a new chapter in the world of sports, ending his 15-year wait in Formula One for his first podium after 239 races. The sports world celebrated his achievement, hailing it as a significant moment in the German driver's career.
