Formula 1 requires a new driver that charges the tag “most underrated” on the grid.
Nico Halkenberg’s first F1 podium in his career means he can ultimately shake off suspicious labels.
Hulkenberg finished third in the F1 British Grand Prix with his 239th Grand Prix start from 242 entries. He no longer holds unnecessary records for most of the grand prizes without a podium.
“It’s the longest podium in Formula 1 history,” Sauber team principal Jonathan Wheatley told Sky Sports.
Naomi Schiff of Sky said:
“It’s crazy to think it took all this time to get his first podium. It just happens to be in Sauber for every car!
“They’ve had a lot of momentum lately. They have Audi coming next year, and that’s the possibility they’re working on.”
Hulkenberg has represented Williams, Force India, Sauber, Renault, Racing Point, Aston Martin, Haas and Sauber since 2010.
The infamous he had mostly snered Ferrari Drive in 2014, but his chances fell apart. It would have given him a great chance to go on the maiden podium, but instead he waited another 11 years.
His F1 peers plagued Hulkenberg after his achievements, claiming that they knew everything about his talent.
Nico Hulkenberg claimed the F1 Podium in 2013
Hulkenberg may have won an F1 race at Interlagos in 2013. He took the lead from the Jenson Button, but the safety car took away his hopes. He then crashed.
“It should have happened 13 years ago,” Button recalled Sky.
“He led the Brazilian Grand Prix and crashed with Lewis Hamilton, the guy who was chasing him (on Silverstone on the weekend).”
The button has been added for Hulkenberg.
“He is consistently strong because everyone has found out that everyone is his teammate.
“I’m really happy with him. It’s been coming for a long time. He’s never been in the right seat.
“What a lovely job it’s for the whole team to get this podium. It’s been 13 years since Sauber came on the podium.
“It’s on a massive scale and they’ll be in a critical part of their careers next year. This was important to end before and dust off.”
Hulkenberg, now 37, was signed by Sauber this season after being impressed by Haas.
When the team transforms into Audi next year, he will become the German face of the giant German maker.