Grand Prix in Silverstone: Tears in the cockpit: Hülkenberg fetches the first Formula 1 podium

Already in the cockpit at Nico Hülkenberg, the tears flowed over his first podium in Formula 1. After the end of his unwanted record series, the 37-year-old barely knew overwhelmed with his emotions. “It’s pretty incredible. I don’t know how it all happened,” said Hülkenberg, after he was ranked in third place in the rain chaos of Silverstone in the kick-Sauber.

238 Grand Prix and thus as long as no other driver in Formula 1 history, the Emmerich had waited in vain to the podium in the motorsport king class before the bitter time ended on a typical British day. “That was the most overdue podium in the history of Formula 1. That was a masterpiece by Nico,” said team boss Jonathan Wheatley at Sky.

Only home winner Lando Norris and World Cup leaders Oscar Piatri had to give up Hülkenberg. “It’s beautiful. It’s all I have ever dreamed of,” enthused Norris.

In an eventful race, the McLaren duo also expanded the lead over world champion Max Verstappen in the overall ranking. The red bull superstar made a serious slip after violent showers and several safety car phases.

Verstappen continues to lose overall

Provoked by a dangerous braking maneuver of the long leading Piatri, who received a time penalty, turned Verstappen and was only fifth. In the World Cup, as the third, he is already 69 points behind Piatri and 61 points behind Norris.

But man of the day was Hülkenberg. With all his routine and perfect strategy, he survived the wild and was able to cheer completely unexpectedly in the end. “It was crazy conditions, most of the time it was a struggle for survival,” he said.

15 years after his debut at Williams and in late autumn of a moving career, Hülkenberg rewarded himself for his perseverance. He also set a real exclamation mark for the racing team, which will start as an Audi work team next season. “I didn’t want to believe it until the last pit stop,” admitted Hülkenberg.

Silverstone record winner Lewis Hamilton also stopped by in Ferrari and finished fourth in the end. “I’m sorry for the fans, but I thought: Today is my day,” said Hülkenberg.

Hours of rain before the start

Heavy rain had put the 160,000 fans to the test in the hours before the start. Record champion Hamilton, who had already won nine times in Silverstone, pleased the conditions. “I love it that it is raining, that’s British weather,” said the 40-year-old before moving to Ferrari before moving home. “I’ve never seen so many British in red,” said Hamilton after a look at the ranks.

His joy over the moisture fed from the little disappointment in qualifying when Hamilton had only been fifth for a small braking. Like some drivers from the back rows, the seven -time champion hoped for weather chaos – and was heard.

Vettel-Besten hires

World champion Verstappen had secured the starting place at the forefront with a round of my fable. With its 44th pole position, the Dutch also stopped Sebastian Vettel’s team pest. On the wet asphalt, Verstappen defended the top through the first curves against Piatri in the McLaren. After accidents on the first rounds, the race management had to brake the field through a virtual safety car.

When the race was free again, Piatri continued his hunt for Verstappen and squeezed over in round eight. Then rain started again, the safety car calmed down the action briefly.

As soon as it was off the slopes, it crashed again. Isack Hadjar thundered from the Racing Bulls into the rear of the Mercedes by Kimi Antonelli and flew off the track. Again Bernd Mayländer was challenged with his safety car.

Controversy behind the safety car

The next time it is started, it became controversial. Piatri accelerated, then suddenly slowed down again until almost standing and surprised. The Red Bull driver rushed over briefly, although it was actually not yet allowed and sweared over the Australian. Immediately afterwards turned away, lost many places.

The racing commissioners imposed a ten-second penalty against Piatri for his dangerous maneuver. But Verstappen helped little, he was now driving towards the next setback in the title fight.

The two McLaren rushed at the front. When Piatri scuffed his punishment on the box, Norris passed and could not be catched up. Despite a moderate last change of tire, Hülkenberg kept his nerves behind it and did not miss the podium.