“Really Special,” Max Verstappen Applauds Nico Hulkenberg over First-Ever F1 Podium at British GP

Max Verstappen was glad to see Nico Hulkenberg put an end to his podium-less streak in Formula 1 at the British GP.

“Really Special,” Max Verstappen Applauds Nico Hulkenberg over First-Ever F1 Podium at British GP

Max Verstappen (via Total Motorsport) Nico Hulkenberg (via The New York Times)

Max Verstappen had a terrible day at the British GP. The Dutch driver started the race from pole position. However, treacherous track conditions forced him down the order as he fought hard to keep his car in one piece. Ultimately, the Red Bull star crossed the line in fifth place. After the race, Verstappen was far more enthusiastic about Nico Hulkenberg bagging his first-ever podium in Formula 1.

Nico Hulkenberg has spent the entirety of his career in the F1 midfield. The Sauber driver held the record for the most number of races without a podium in the sport. The German came close to putting an end to this streak, but things always went wrong. However, the stars finally aligned for Hulkenberg at Silverstone as he crossed the line in third place, a magnificent result for him and his team.

Max Verstappen was full of praise for the German driver. The reigning world champion claimed that it was a special feeling to see Nico Hulkenberg finally get this result after years of waiting. The Sauber driver deserved to stand on the podium at least once in his career, having showcased his brilliance in the midfield for over a decade.

It was great to see. When you’ve been driving in F1 for so long, and have been close a few times. This is really special for him

Max Verstappen said post-race

The podium finish is not only an important achievement for Hulkenberg but even for his team. This is the first podium for Sauber in over a decade. The Hinwil-based team will be turning into Audi next year. This result shows that things are going in the right track for the German carmaker.

Max Verstappen declares Nico Hulkenberg knew what he can do

Over the years, Nico Hulkenberg is often touted as a consistent driver in the midfield. However, top teams have overlooked the 37-year-old due to his infamous podium-less run. Hulkenberg has come close to signing deals with top teams in the past, but things never materialized. He was also in the running to become Max Verstappen’s teammate at one stage.

Max Verstappen and Nico Hulkenberg at the British GP (via Getty)
Max Verstappen and Nico Hulkenberg at the British GP (via Getty)

The reigning world champion asserted that Nico Hulkenberg knew what he was capable of in Formula 1. Max Verstappen insisted that a podium finish does not automatically make someone a better driver. The Dutchman pointed out that Hulkenberg was already a strong driver, with the podium finally ending the infamous tag on his career. Though, Verstappen was delighted to see the Sauber driver finally get a chance to spray some champagne in Formula 1.

Nico knows what he can do. He has already shown that before F1 and in F1. It never came out. But he already knew how good he was. A podium does not suddenly make you a better driver. But for him it is especially nice to be there once.

Max Verstappen added

Max Verstappen has shown immense respect for Nico Hulkenberg. After the race, the Red Bull star was the first one to congratulate the 37-year-old. Verstappen understands the importance of the podium for the German and his team. Fans would be happy to see that Verstappen is keen to celebrate a podium for Hulkenberg at a time when he is continuously having bad days in the office.

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