Jonathan Wheatley salutes Nico Hülkenberg’s « masterclass » at Silverstone
Nico Hülkenberg took his first ever F1 podium at Silverstone, finishing third in the British Grand Prix, and his team principal was quick to praise his performance.
Sauber’s director, Jonathan Wheatley, praised Nico Hülkenberg’s efforts, calling his result the most awaited podium in F1 history.
A Liberating Podium
The German previously held the record for the most Formula 1 starts without a podium. But this Sunday, after 239 starts, he finally broke this curse by delivering a flawless race in extremely challenging conditions, climbing from 19th on the grid to 3rd under the checkered flag.
Nico Hülkenberg and his team played their cards perfectly at the right moment by switching to intermediate tires just before the rain returned, and then making them last long enough to finish on medium tires.
On the track as well, he had to fight his way up the field, notably overtaking Lance Stroll for 3rd place, before flawlessly holding off Lewis Hamilton’s comeback in the final laps.
« Where to start… The most anticipated podium in F1 history, and the first for the team since Japan 2012 », said Jonathan Wheatley after the race.
« This weekend had its ups and downs, but in the end, we put everything together, and when the opportunity presented itself, we grabbed it with both hands. »
« Starting 19th to finish 3rd is the worst starting position for a driver making it to the podium in the 32-year history of Sauber. And after 239 Grand Prix, Nico delivered. No driver deserves this podium more than him », he states.
Jonathan Wheatley proud of his driver
Jonathan Wheatley, a former Red Bull executive, has joined Sauber as part of the transition project towards the Audi team in 2026, and does not hide his admiration for his driver’s performance.
« Nico had an exceptional race today. It’s one of the best I’ve seen at Silverstone, and even in F1 overall, » he stated.
Honestly, celebrating a podium finish seems almost strange, as I’ve always felt he deserved to have had one much earlier in his career. I can only speak for myself, but I’ve always regarded him as an extraordinary talent. I’ve always said that here to the team. It was almost incomprehensible that he had never had a podium until today.
With this podium finally secured and the new 2026 regulations in sight, can Nico Hülkenberg now dream of a Grand Prix victory?
« Nico showed today what he is capable of. If he has the right car and the right conditions, I am certain he can win a race. He is an exceptional driver and he proved it again today. »
Jonathan Wheatley also highlighted Nico Hülkenberg’s calm and clarity in his radio communications during this crazy race, marked by several accidents, spins, and crucial strategic decisions.
The young Gabriel Bortoleto, who retired after a spin on medium tires in wet conditions, nevertheless stayed in the garage to listen to Nico Hülkenberg’s radio throughout the race in order to learn alongside his experienced teammate.
« Gabriel has a formidable work ethic and a real capacity for learning, » added Jonathan Wheatley. « He wants to learn. He picks up information everywhere, and having been able to listen to Nico ask the right questions, have the right discussions on the radio, will inevitably strengthen him. »
