Tears in the cockpit: Huge sensation at Silverstone

Even in the cockpit, Nico Hülkenberg was already crying tears of joy over his first podium finish in Formula 1.

July 06, 2025

From: dpa/dl

Overwhelmed, the 37-year-old hardly knew what to do with his emotions after the end of his unwanted record-breaking streak. "It's pretty unbelievable. I don't know how it all happened," said Hülkenberg after storming from second-to-last place on the grid to third place in the rain-ravaged Silverstone race car.

238 Grand Prix, more than any other driver in Formula 1 history The Emmerich native had waited in vain for a podium finish in the premier class of motorsport before the bitter end came on a typical British summer day. "That was the most overdue podium in Formula 1 history. It was a masterpiece from Nico," said team principal Jonathan Wheatley on Sky.

Great redemption for Lando Norris

Only home winner Lando Norris and championship leader Oscar Piastri were defeated by Hülkenberg. "This is beautiful. This is everything I've ever dreamed of," enthused Norris.
In an eventful race, the McLaren duo also extended their lead over world champion Max Verstappen in the overall standings.

Lando Norris won for the first time at Silverstone. © APA/afp / ANDREJ ISAKOVIC

The Red Bull superstar suffered a disastrous slip-up after heavy showers and several safety car interventions. Provoked by a dangerous braking maneuver by long-time leader Piastri, who received a time penalty, Verstappen spun and finished only fifth. He now sits third in the World Championship, 69 points behind Piastri and 61 behind Norris.

“I didn’t want to believe it until the last pit stop” Niko Hülkenberg

But the man of the day was Hülkenberg. With his routine and perfect strategy, he survived the wild action and was able to celebrate at the end, completely unexpectedly. "The conditions were crazy; most of the time it was a fight for survival," he said.

Fifteen years after his debut at Williams and in the late autumn of an eventful career, Hülkenberg rewarded himself for his perseverance. He also made a real statement for the racing team, which will compete as an Audi works team next season. "I didn't want to believe it until the last pit stop," Hülkenberg admitted.