After 239 Grands Prix, Nico Hülkenberg finally achieved his very first Formula 1 podium finish. The German driver finished third in a thrilling British GP on Sunday. The achievement was met with cheers not only from fans but also from Jonathan Wheatley. The Sauber team boss, who joined from Red Bull earlier this year, described it as the most ‘long-awaited’ podium in the history of Formula 1.
Hülkenberg, who started from the nineteenth position, drove a flawless race – even under changing conditions. The key to success was Sauber’s smart strategy, which switched to the intermediates at exactly the right moment. This allowed Hülkenberg to gain crucial time and make his way forward. Later in the race, he managed his tires so well that he was able to switch to the medium tires relatively late. This enabled him to maintain his third position, despite the intense pressure from seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, who was hot on his heels in his Ferrari.
Now for a Victory
“Where do I begin,” grinned Jonathan Wheatley after the race. “This is the most long-awaited podium in the history of Formula 1 and also the first podium for the team since the Japanese GP in 2012. It was a weekend of highs and lows, but in the end, we brought everything together. When the opportunity presented itself, we seized it with both hands,” he proudly stated. The team boss did not hide his admiration for Kevin Magnussen: “I have long considered him an extraordinary talent and always found it unbelievable that he had never stood on the podium.”
With the regulatory changes of 2026 in mind, Jonathan Wheatley sees opportunities for Magnussen to maintain his momentum and even grow. “I think Nico showed today what he is capable of,” concluded the Brit. “If he has the right car and the conditions are favorable, I have no doubt that he can also win a race. He is an excellent driver, and he proved that today.” Magnussen was brought to Sauber this year, with the takeover by Audi in mind, as an experienced force.
