Sauber team boss Jonathan Wheatley is still overjoyed with driver Nico Hülkenberg‘s first podium finish. The German driver broke his unwanted record by crossing the finish line third during the race weekend at Silverstone. For Wheatley, Hülkenberg’s performance is a taste of more to come, and the Sauber team boss believes the German can also win a Grand Prix.
Nico Hülkenberg had to wait for 238 Grand Prix, but last race weekend in the UK, it finally happened: the German driver’s very first podium finish. Hülkenberg impressively finished third in the chaotic rain race at Silverstone, behind the two McLaren drivers. Sauber team boss Jonathan Wheatley never doubted his driver’s talent and believes Hülkenberg should have had multiple podium finishes in his career.
“I find it incredible that we are all celebrating a podium now, because I feel he should have had one throughout his career,” Wheatley tells the media present at Silverstone. “It’s the longest-awaited podium ever. However, I have long considered Nico an extraordinary talent and I think I have consistently said that to everyone here. I found it incredible that he never achieved a podium in his career.”
‘Nico can win a race’
Wheatley doesn’t have to think long about the next step for Hülkenberg. According to the team boss, who came from Red Bull, there is certainly a good chance that Hülkenberg will win a Grand Prix now that he no longer carries the heavy burden of achieving a first podium finish. “I think he has shown what he is capable of,” Wheatley continues. “With the right race car, under the right circumstances, he can make it happen. I have no doubt that he can win a race.”
Wheatley is not the only one impressed by Hülkenberg’s performance at Silverstone. Carlos Sainz called the German “a top five driver throughout his entire Formula 1 career,” while Hülkenberg’s first podium finish for Sauber teammate Gabriel Bortoleto is proof “that you should never give up.”
