Nico Furkenberg was praised by his fellow rivals as “one of the best drivers on the grid” after claiming an incredible maiden podium at the British Grand Prix.
Asked for the 239th time, Hulkenberg was on the Formula 1 podium for the first time after a fantastic drive to shock 3rd place in the chaotic and wet British Grand Prix at Silverstone.
The 37-year-old German groundbreaking podium has attracted praise from his fellow drivers, with championship leader Oscar Piastri saying:
Lewis Hamilton, beaten by Halkenberg as he is seven-time world champion, ended his amazing podium streak at home.
“Third place was felt within reach, but Nico was credited on his first podium and he drove a strong race,” Hamilton said.
Four-time world champion Max Verstappen commented: “It was really good to see, because when you’ve been in Formula 1 for a long time and you haven’t been on the podium and a few times you’re so close, I think this is pretty special to him.”
Nico Halkenberg
Meanwhile, Fernando Alonso feels that Hulkenberg should be considered among the best drivers on the F1 grid.
“It’s his first podium, so I’m very happy for him,” the two-time world champion said.
“I hope he’s enjoying today because he’s one of the best drivers on the grid and I didn’t have the chance to have a proper car underneath it, so yeah, I’m so really happy for him.”
Williams’ Carlos Sign believes Halkenberg is “always the top five driver.”
“Congratulations – he must have raced very solidly to be there in P3,” the Spaniard added. “To be honest, for me, the fact that people kept cursing him, that he didn’t have a podium, was completely irrelevant to me.
“For me, he was always the top five driver on the grid every time he joined Formula 1. His level of talent and racial execution is incredible.”
Gabriel Boltreto was delighted with his Sauber teammate.
“Congratulations to Nico! It makes a lot of sense to see him fighting for the podium and achieving this result over the years in Formula 1,” he said.
“He is the best teammate I’ve ever worked with, both as a driver and as a person — and he definitely deserves this moment. I’m really happy with him.”
Piastri teased Halkenberg after the race by asking how he felt about the first podium trophy made with Lego.
“I love Lego!” Hulkenberg laughed in response. “That’s fine. My daughter can play with it too.
“You always have to look at the bright side. But as you know, a bit of silver and gold would have been good, but I don’t complain.”