F1 fans agree on the next midfield driver they’d ‘love’ to see on the podium after Nico Hulkenberg heroics

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Podiums for Formula 1 drivers in the midfield are a rare occurrence. That has been especially the case for Nico Hulkenberg, who finally grabbed his first top-three finish at the British Grand Prix.

It took the German 239 races and 15 years in the sport to stand on the podium in the pinnacle of motorsport. Hulkenberg would certainly not have been thinking about a top result when he lined up a disappointing 19th on the grid, getting outqualified by teammate Gabriel Bortoleto.

But Sauber had the perfect strategy at the British Grand Prix as they kept the 37-year-old on intermediates while others gambled on slicks. Numerous crashes and subsequent safety cars propelled him up the order as another rain shower fell at Silverstone.

After Max Verstappen spun at Stowe corner at the safety car restart, Hulkenberg found himself fighting Lance Stroll for a podium. Despite nearly crashing into each other, the Sauber driver made the overtake and fended off Lewis Hamilton to finally finish on the podium in F1.

The F1 media centre cheered ‘in unison’ for the first time as the Sauber driver finished third at Silverstone. The result was hugely popular amongst drivers, with Nico Rosberg congratulating Hulkenberg on social media.

It was also arguably more popular amongst fans than Norris claiming his first win on home soil. It has left many debating which midfield driver they want to see next on the podium, and they all came to one clear conclusion.

F1 fans would ‘love’ to see Alex Albon finish on the podium for Williams

In a post on Reddit, fans agreed that Williams driver Alex Albon would be the next driver they would ‘love’ to see on the podium. They want the Thai driver to take the Grove outfit back to glory and finish in the top three, having not done so since 2020 with Red Bull.

“Albon. He’s already had a couple but I’d want to see it at Williams,” said one fan, while another echoed: “Albon win. In a Williams. Would love to see it. Nice guy, nice TP.”

Another user wrote: “Albon. About time he brings the Williams there.” One fan wants to see the Thai driver redeem himself from his struggles at Red Bull, having been dropped by the team at the end of 2020: “Single driver – Albon, his RBR redemption arc feels incomplete and I’d love to see it.”

Some fans want to see the 28-year-old go one step further and win a race for Williams. One said: “Alex Albon to get his first race win,” while another wrote: “I really want an Alex Albon race win. He more than deserves it. If it’s a new podium placer, I’d like to see Hadjar, Bearman or Bortoleto.”

READ MORE: Williams star Alex Albon’s life outside F1 with net worth, girlfriend to parents

Williams have not had a podium since 2017 – could Alex Albon end the streak?

It has been a difficult few years for Williams as they have regressed to the back of the grid. Lance Stroll scored the team’s last podium at the 2017 Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

Fans have to go even further back for their last win, coming from Pastor Maldonado at the 2011 Spanish Grand Prix. Williams are building towards the front of the pack again, with James Vowles guiding the team to fifth in the constructors’ championship halfway through 2025.

Vowles said Williams have the ingredients for podiums, with Albon and Carlos Sainz on board. The two drivers provide experience and leadership, but the Grove outfit have fallen away in recent races, with just five points from the last four events.

Williams are focused on 2026 and the new technical regulations as they look to get a head start and propel themselves up the grid. Albon has been impressive in 2025 as he sits eighth in the standings; he will be eager to grab the team a podium after they saved his F1 career back in 2022.