Drivers praise Hülkenberg for maiden Formula One podium
Fifteen years after his Formula One debut, Nico Hülkenberg finally scored his maiden podium at his 239th race.
The Kick Sauber driver ended his podium drought with the help of a clever team strategy at the British Grand Prix on Sunday.
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But achievement was even more impressive because he started 19th on the grid and had to fight hard to hold-off nine-time Silverstone winner Lewis Hamilton.
Team-mate Gabriel Bortoleto led the rounds of deserved praise saying: "Seeing him fight for the podium and achieve this result after so many years in F1 means a lot. He is the best team-mate I have ever worked with – both as a driver and as a person – and he absolutely deserves this moment."
Four-time defending champion Max Verstappen of Red Bull greeted Hülkenberg during the cool-down lap and was swift to go over to him in parc feme to shake hands.
"The race wasn't that enjoyable for me but it was nice to see Nico get his first podium and I'm sure he will be celebrating tonight," said Verstappen, who could only manage a fifth place after spinning on track and dropping to 10th.
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Williams' Carlos Sainz, a former team-mate of Hülkenberg at Renault in 2018, said that the German has always been a top-five driver in the grid."
"Honestly, for me, the fact that people kept cursing him, the fact that he didn't have any podiums, for me it was completely irrelevant. His level of talent and race execution is incredible," he added.
Hamilton, who chased Hülkenberg in his Ferrari in the closing stages of the race, was disappointed, but happy for the Kick Sauber driver.
"Third place felt within reach at times but credit to Nico on his first podium, he drove a strong race. It's a great achievement for him and his team."
The Mercedes team gifted Sauber several bottles of champagne to aid in the celebrations, while Aston Martin reportedly also made a contribution.
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