Williams’ Carlos Sainz was among the first to congratulate F1 veteran Nico Hulkenberg for his first career podium in F1 at last weekend’s British Grand Prix, admitting that in his book, the German has always been among the sport’s top-five drivers of his generation.
Hülkenberg’s third-place finish at Silverstone ended the 37-year-old’s record-breaking run of races without a top-three result and drew praise from across the grid.
Sainz, who partnered Hülkenberg at Renault in 2018, didn’t hold back in praising his former teammate’s talent and consistency — both of which he believes have long gone underappreciated – regardless of what the statistics say.
“Congrats, he must have done a very solid race to be up there in P3,” Sainz told reporters.
“Honestly, the fact that people could keep cursing the fact that he didn't have any podiums, for me was completely irrelevant.
“For me, he's always been a top-five driver on the grid every time he's been in F1, and his level of talent and race execution is incredible.”
Sainz pointed to circumstances – rather than ability – as the reason for Hülkenberg’s previously empty podium record. Despite driving for respected teams like Force India, Renault, and now Sauber, the Geraman never had a truly front-running car capable of consistent podium contention.
“I was his teammate for a time and the fact that he didn't have a podium was just circumstantial and due to the teams he had driven for,” Sainz continued.
“I’m glad he has this podium now to shut everyone up who doubted him. For me I never doubted him and knew one day he would be on a podium.”
Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton was also among those applauding Hulkenberg after the race.
Hamilton had been in pursuit of the Sauber driver during the final stages at Silverstone, but ultimately finished behind him, ending his own impressive streak of consecutive podium finishes at his home Grand Prix.
“Third place felt within reach at times but credit to Nico on his first podium, he drove a strong race,” Hamilton said.
Hülkenberg’s podium was celebrated not just as a personal triumph, but as a moment of poetic justice – proof that in motorsport, persistence, skill, and a bit of timing can finally rewrite the record books.
As for Sainz, his respect for Hülkenberg has never wavered, and Sunday’s result was simply a matter of overdue recognition.
With half the season still ahead, and with Sauber looking increasingly competitive in mixed conditions, Hülkenberg’s breakthrough may not be the last time he finds himself among the front-runners.
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