Nico Hulkenberg shares how he dealt with the ‘pressure’ Lewis Hamilton placed on him at the British Grand Prix

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Nico Hulkenberg has finally ended his 239-race run of failing to score a Formula 1 podium at the age of 37.

The Sauber driver battled mixed conditions to earn his first rostrum at the British Grand Prix, which left fans on the edge of their seats.

Hulkenberg faced intense pressure from home favourite Lewis Hamilton in the second half of the race, but used his experience very well to remain ahead.

It might be a weight off the shoulders for the German, who can now set about the rest of his Formula 1 career without wondering ‘what if’ about being on the podium.

Hulkenberg has been surprised by teammate Gabriel Bortoleto in 2025, but now he has produced the most spectacular shock of Sauber’s season.

Sauber’s ‘exciting’ upgrade could have made Hulkenberg ‘suffer’, but instead, it has helped spur them to a first top-three finish since the 2012 Japanese Grand Prix.

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Nico Hulkenberg had to ‘stick’ his neck out to beat Lewis Hamilton at the British Grand Prix

In an impressive turn of events, Hulkenberg has lifted himself up to an impressive ninth in the drivers’ championship.

His previous best result before today was fourth place, which he achieved at the 2012 Belgian Grand Prix and the 2013 Korean Grand Prix.

A podium has been a long time coming, and he would be the first to admit that. He’s had chances, such as the 2012 Brazilian Grand Prix and 2019 German Grand Prix, but the 2025 British Grand Prix was his day.

Speaking on the official Formula 1 world broadcast after the race, Hulkenberg shared how he dealt with intense pressure from seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton on home soil.

“But then he [Hamilton] was catching quite quickly, so the pressure was there. It was an intense race, but we didn’t crack, no mistakes, and obviously, really, really happy with that.

“I was thinking that he’s going to give it all in front of his home crowd, and I was like, ‘Sorry guys, but it’s also my day.’ I had to stick my neck out. I’m super happy.”

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How Nico Hulkenberg’s British Grand Prix has lifted Sauber into an incredible position

Hulkenberg is no stranger to Sauber’s ranks, after racing for them back in 2013 as he was fighting for a better seat.

Sadly, it never really materialised for him, but today’s massive result and haul of points has lifted the team to sixth in the constructors’ championship.

Maintaining that until the end of the year would see them match their best finish since 2012, achieved in 2022 with Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu as their drivers under the Alfa Romeo badge.

Now their eyes will be set on chasing Williams, who are only 18 points ahead in the fight for fifth place, offering much more prize money after the season ends.