Nico Hulkenberg has been hailed as “among the finest drivers on the grid” by his fellow rivals after claiming an unimaginable maiden podium on the British Grand Prix.
On the 239th time of asking, Hulkenberg stood on the F1 podium for the primary time after an excellent drive to a shock third place in a chaotic and moist British Grand Prix at Silverstone.
The 37-year-old German’s breakthrough podium has drawn reward from his fellow drivers, with championship chief Oscar Piastri stating: “Congratulations to Nico, that is the story of the day.”
Lewis Hamilton, who was overwhelmed by Hulkenberg because the seven-time world champion noticed his exceptional podium streak at house come to an finish, was amongst those that congratulated the Sauber driver.
“Third place felt inside attain at occasions however credit score to Nico on his first podium, he drove a powerful race,” Hamilton stated.
4-time world champion Max Verstappen commented: “It was very good to see. As a result of whenever you’re in F1 for such a very long time and you haven’t been on the rostrum, and being so shut a number of occasions, I believe that is fairly particular for him.”
Nico Hulkenberg
In the meantime, Fernando Alonso feels Hulkenberg ought to be thought-about among the many greatest drivers on the F1 grid.
“It is the primary podium for him, so tremendous blissful for him,” stated the two-time world champion.
“The most effective drivers on the grid that by no means had the chance to have a correct automobile beneath and yeah, I am very, very really blissful for him, so I hope he enjoys right this moment.”
Williams’ Carlos Sainz believes Hulkenberg has “all the time been a top-five driver”.
“Congrats – he should have performed a really strong race to be up there in P3,” the Spaniard added. “Truthfully, for me, the truth that individuals saved cursing him, the truth that he didn’t have any podiums, for me it was fully irrelevant.
“For me, he’s all the time been a top-five driver within the grid each time he’s been in F1 – his stage of expertise and race execution is unimaginable.”
Gabriel Bortoleto was delighted for his Sauber teammate.
“Congratulations to Nico! Seeing him combat for the rostrum and obtain this outcome after so a few years in Method 1 means lots,” he stated.
“He’s the perfect teammate I’ve ever labored with – each as a driver and as an individual – and he completely deserves this second: I’m genuinely blissful for him.”
Piastri teased Hulkenberg after the race by asking him how he felt about his first podium trophy being made out of Lego.
“I really like Lego!” Hulkenberg laughed in response. “It is good. My daughter can play with it too.
“You’ve all the time acquired to see the brilliant aspect. However, you realize, a little bit of silver or gold would have been good too, however I will not complain.”
