Formulation 1 will want a brand new driver to say the tag because the “most underrated” on the grid.
The primary F1 podium within the profession of Nico Hulkenberg means he can lastly shake off the doubtful label.
Hulkenberg completed third on the F1 British Grand Prix on his 239th grand prix begin from 242 entries. He not holds the undesirable document for essentially the most grands prix and not using a podium.
“It’s the longest overdue podium within the historical past of Formulation 1,” Sauber crew principal Jonathan Wheatley stated to Sky Sports activities.
Sky’s Naomi Schiff stated: “Generally we seek advice from him as probably the most underrated drivers within the paddock but it surely’s not a secret. Everybody is aware of that Hulkenberg is a reliable and fast driver.
“It’s loopy to suppose that it has taken all of this time to get his first podium, and it occurs to be in a Sauber, of all vehicles! I don’t suppose he would have anticipated it final 12 months in case you requested him.
“They’ve nice momentum these days. They’ve Audi coming in subsequent 12 months. That’s the potential they’re working in the direction of.”
Hulkenberg has represented Williams, Drive India, Sauber, Renault, Racing Level, Aston Martin, Haas and Sauber since 2010.
Notoriously he virtually snared a Ferrari drive in 2014 however the likelihood fell by means of. It might have given him an awesome likelihood at a maiden podium however as an alternative he waited one other 11 years.
His F1 friends feted Hulkenberg after his achievement, insisting they knew all about his expertise.
Nico Hulkenberg ‘ought to have’ claimed F1 podium in 2013
Hulkenberg might need even gained an F1 race in 2013 at Interlagos. He led from Jenson Button however a Security Automotive scuppered his hopes. He then crashed.
“It ought to have occurred 13 years in the past,” Button remembered for Sky.
“He was main the Brazilian Grand Prix when he crashed with the man who was chasing him down [at Silverstone at the weekend], Lewis Hamilton.”
Button added about Hulkenberg: “He jumps in a automobile, up and down the grid, and places the efficiency in.
“He’s constant and robust, as everybody finds that’s his teammate.
“I’m actually comfortable for him. It’s been a very long time coming. He hasn’t discovered himself in the proper seats.
“What a beautiful job for the entire crew to come back away with this podium. It’s been 13 years since Sauber had been final on the rostrum.
“That’s huge and so they’re going into an essential a part of their profession subsequent 12 months. This was essential to get executed and dusted earlier than.”
Now 37, Hulkenberg was signed by Sauber this season after impressing with Haas.
Subsequent 12 months when the crew morphs into Audi, he would be the German face of the enormous German producer.
