Lando Norris
McLaren
Mercedes
Red Bull
Ferrari
Williams
Racing Bulls
Aston Martin
Haas
Alpine
The Spanish Grand Prix was a quiet affair until the dying stages, when Kimi Antonelli produced a late safety car following an engine failure.
The talk of the show was Max Verstappen’s late move on George Russell, which resulted in him receiving a 10-second post-race penalty.
However, there were impressive performances up and down the field, including a best result of the season for Sauber.
Nico Hulkenberg’s fifth-place finish helps to lift them from the bottom of the constructors’ championship and up into eighth.
After a tricky start to the campaign, Hulkenberg bemoaned Sauber’s main problem and they have steadily improved since.
It led to Hulkenberg being forced to compromise with Sauber, considering that their car is so different from the Haas he drove last year.
Fans praise Nico Hulkenberg for ‘drive of the year’ at the Spanish Grand Prix
Coming into Spain, Hulkenberg had scored all six of Sauber’s points as their senior driver at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix.
Since then, they have struggled, and attention may have turned to the 2026 F1 regulations and a new partnership with Audi.
Some fans wanted to make sure that their German driver got the recognition he deserved for his performance.
“One of the best F1 drivers ever without a title,” said one fan. “I really wish Audi can provide this man with a competent car next year. Top-tier driver,” agreed another.
“Stand-out performance. Isack Hadjar done well too,” wrote someone else, while another fan pointed out a specific move of his, “Amazing result for them. His overtake on Hamilton was quite something.”
“Should’ve been driver of the day,” said someone else, while one last fan gave him the highest commendation of them all, “Hands down the drive of the year so far!”
Did Nico Hulkenberg make the right move to join Sauber for 2025?
There were a few options on the table for this season, but ultimately, Hulkenberg settled on Sauber and their vision for the future with Audi.
Red Bull might have benefited from an experienced pair of hands to replace Sergio Perez, but at the age of 37, he didn’t suit their style.
Staying at Haas may not have been what he wanted to see for the future either, given that he still harbours hopes of achieving victories and podiums in Formula 1.
While this year might be painful in a slower car, from next season, he might just be one of the big surprises if they can design a fast car.
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