6 days ago
McLaren hold firm in the rain as Hulkenberg ends 239-race wait to step up
Nico Hulkenberg got to pop the campagne for the first time on Sunday, after finishing third at the British GP, after a 18-year long wait. Photo: AFP
Image: AFP
Silverstone delivered its signature drama once again — the skies wept, the wind whispered uncertainty, and strategy sheets were tossed into chaos. On a rain-slicked circuit that punished hesitation and rewarded nerve, McLaren stood tall, extending their grip on both the Drivers' and Constructors' Championships.
Lando Norris capitalised on teammate Oscar Piastri's misstep to seal his first British Grand Prix victory. A 10-second time penalty for Piastri — handed down for an unsafe restart that hampered Max Verstappen — reshuffled the order behind the safety car, allowing Norris to cut the championship gap to just eight points.
With the rain coming and going, teams were forced into constant recalculations, leading to a flurry of pit stops and non-stop action.
As the season barrels toward its second half, here are three standout takeaways from Silverstone.
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A mental tug-of-war at McLaren could decide the championship
Piastri may have led the early charge, but Norris is no longer just hanging on — he's pushing back.
The Silverstone win wasn't handed to him; it was seized with composure and pace when it mattered most. While Piastri's error at the restart cost him dearly, it also highlighted the fine margins that now define this battle.
As McLaren dominate the field with a car that's clearly ahead of the pack, the title fight is becoming less about machinery and more about mental steel. One slip could swing the momentum entirely — and as the season turns toward its closing stretch, it's not just about who is faster, but who can withstand the pressure.
"First of all, congratulations to Nico! It's a special day for the team and, even though my own race didn't go to plan, I am proud to be part of this. I'll keep working hard and hopefully be up there as well someday." - @gabortoleto85 💚#BritishGP 🇬🇧 — Stake F1 Team KICK Sauber (@stakef1team_ks) July 7, 2025
Hulkenberg finally breaks duck
The 37-year-old was rewarded for persistence and patience with a memorable result — his first-ever Formula One podium and Sauber's first since 2012.
His third-place finish, coming in his 239th race, was a long-overdue reward for years of solid drives without the luxury of top-tier machinery.
He's quietly had a respectable season, collecting 37 points in a Sauber not expected to contend for top finishes. At Silverstone, he capitalised on the mixed conditions and chaotic moments to secure third place.
With Audi set to take over the team in the near future, the podium finish could be a significant boost to Hülkenberg's case for a seat next year. For now, it stands as a career-defining highlight for one of the grid's most resilient veterans.
A tricky day at Silverstone with conditions that kept us guessing 😅☔️
Not the result we wanted, but the fight was there, and we brought home valuable points 💪
Results 🏁: NOR, PIA, HUL, HAM, Max 🫶, GAS, STR, ALO, ALB, RUS#F1 || #BritishGP 🇬🇧 — Oracle Red Bull Racing (@redbullracing) July 6, 2025
Red Bull remain a one-man operation
It's been a frustrating campaign for Red Bull, who look a shadow of the team that dominated the Constructors' Championship in recent years. Max Verstappen continues to fight at the front, but the lack of support from a competitive teammate is hurting the team on multiple fronts.
Once again, the Dutchman was left without backup at Silverstone. While he salvaged fifth place, Yuki Tsunoda struggled again, finishing 15th and adding no value to the team's overall effort.
Tsunoda replaced Liam Lawson earlier this year in what should have been a promotion, but the move has yielded little return. He's yet to make an impact in qualifying or race pace, and with just 10 points to his name, the Japanese driver sits fifth from bottom in the standings.
As Ferrari and Mercedes continue to gain momentum, Red Bull's chances of closing the gap fade with every race — and unless they fix their second seat issue, they'll remain off the pace in both championships.
