Nico Hülkenberg: I'm just happy!

      Third place at Silverstone was a victory for Nico Hülkenberg, who was thrilled to stand on the podium for the first time in his 15-year Formula 1 career...

      Question: Nico, congratulations! How did you feel when you first stepped onto the podium?

      Nico Hülkenberg: I’m happy, but I need to get used to it, process it. The race was tough and tense. Finding the limits of the car’s capabilities in such changing conditions is always risky. Plus, I knew Lewis was coming from behind. Luckily, the race ended before he overtook me.

      This time, everything worked out exactly as I wanted. I’m happy. On Saturday, I qualified poorly, started almost last, and finished on the podium — that’s incredible. It will take a few days to fully digest and realize it. It’s great that we have two free weeks ahead to enjoy this achievement and celebrate properly before we get back on the grid.

      Question: When did you realize a podium was possible?

      Nico Hülkenberg: Before we went back on slick tires. I overtook Lando, then Lewis quickly overtook Lando, and I managed to hold him off and even pull away when the intermediate tires were wearing out and losing efficiency. At that moment, I thought, ‘It’s not so bad.’ Then we made the right decision to change tires one lap later than he did, gaining about ten seconds on that. That interval turned out to be decisive.

      After that, the remaining laps until the finish felt like eternity, but I knew I had a real chance. I just had to keep the car on track and continue attacking.

      Question: Will you be able to get more out of your car? You’ve scored points in the last four races. The team has outscored Red Bull in these races. How much more can you improve?

      Nico Hülkenberg: You want even more? Oh my! I think today’s results are quite good. If the race had been on dry asphalt, the outcome would have been completely different.

      Although we have made significant progress since Barcelona, the Silverstone podium was influenced by the circumstances, and conditions made this result possible. But I feel that in the fight in the middle of the pack, we’ve definitely gained and are serious contenders. That’s where our battle is, but it’s always about making the most of every race, every weekend, and just striving for good results.

      Question: It’s been ten years since your last podium, after the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Clearly, that’s a different experience. But what feelings and emotions did you have in the last half hour or hour, pouring champagne on the podium and celebrating with the team?

      Nico Hülkenberg: I still remember how it’s done. In the junior series, I often stood on the podium, but then I had to wait a long time. The race was quick, and afterward, there was a flood of emotions, many congratulations, lots of positivity. Now I’m just happy, but in the coming hours and days, I’ll come to terms with this and enjoy it even more.