Nico Hulkenberg delivered a stunning result at the 2025 British Grand Prix. Starting from the back on a rain‑hit Sunday, he stormed through the field to claim his first-ever Formula 1 podium in his 239th race. He finished third at Silverstone, after 15 years in the sport .
Sauber team principal Jonathan Wheatley called it “one of the best drives I’ve seen of any driver ever”. He also said the podium will boost belief in the team, especially as Sauber transitions into a factory Audi outfit in 2026.
From Last Place to the Podium
- The conditions were tricky. Rain made the race chaotic.
- Hulkenberg started 19th – the last on the grid.
- With smart pit stops and perfect tyre calls, he navigated his way up.
- He even held off Lewis Hamilton late in the race.
Why This Matters for Sauber
Sauber had a rough 2023–24. In 2024, they scored just 4 points and finished last in the constructors’ standings .
Now, they have:
- 37 points in only 12 races. That’s more than the last two seasons combined.
- Scored in four straight races, including a P5 in Spain.
- Closed the gap to Williams: Sauber are just 18 points behind P5.
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Wheatley said this result shows the team’s hard work under former Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto and the new upgrades are paying off.
What Jonathan Wheatley Said
Wheatley praised the team’s effort. He pointed to strategic tyre choices and calm pit work. He said they stayed out on intermediates at the right time and switched to slicks just when the rain eased . He added:
“One of the best drives I’ve seen at Silverstone… He didn’t put a wheel wrong.”
The Road Ahead
- Sauber will become Audi’s works team in 2026.
- They’re still cautious. Wheatley warned there are “hairpins and stoplights” on the journey ahead.
- But confidence is growing. Points are coming. Momentum is building.
This podium is more than a trophy. It’s a sign. A signal that Sauber’s rebuild is taking hold. As they gear up for the Audi era, this moment will be remembered as a turning‑point. And Hulkenberg? Finally, his perseverance paid off.
