Nico Hülkenberg heads into the F1 Belgian GP with confidence after securing his first ever Formula 1 podium at Silverstone. It was a breakthrough result in mixed conditions, the kind of performance that energised both the team and the paddock. Now, with momentum building and new leadership settling in at Sauber, Hülkenberg is looking to back it up at Spa.
“Pretty crazy and special”
Silverstone was a moment Hülkenberg had waited his entire career for. Starting from the very back, he kept things clean through changing weather and took advantage of every opportunity. He crossed the line in third, finally reaching the podium after more than 200 Grands Prix.
“Yeah. Surprisingly, they’ve been very good. Nice to have a bit of time after and to enjoy the moment properly and not dive straight into the next Grand Prix. So that was good timing from that point of view. Obviously, just an incredible race. Those conditions were very tricky, but we made all the right decisions and rewarded ourselves coming from last, which was pretty crazy and special.”
He said the support that followed was bigger than anything he expected.
“The aftermath was also overwhelming — the feedback and responses we got, well over 700 messages. Took me a good week to work through it all, but obviously amazing and nice to feel and see all that.”
Afterwards, he made a point of returning to Hinwil to celebrate with the full team, not just those who were trackside.
“Obviously, a very happy one. I think it was important to go back and cherish the moment and share that with everyone in the factory, not just at the track. So it was good. Amazing memories, amazing emotions for us, and I hope that they can boost us for the rest of the season.”
Nico Hülkenberg’s F1 Belgian GP weekend is now his first opportunity to follow up that success and keep the points flowing.
Sauber’s progress started before Silverstone
While the podium was a standout moment, Hülkenberg was quick to point out that it came on a weekend where both cars were out in Q1. The result was made possible by changing conditions and sharp strategy. For him, the real turning point came in Barcelona when they introduced a sizeable update.
“But definitely from Barcelona, we gained some momentum. We made a big step forward with the car, especially in the long stints in the race on Sunday. We have a good race car now and we can do something even with not the best starting positions.”
The car has been stronger across full race distances, and Sauber now have the tools to fight their way into the points even when qualifying is a struggle.
“I think that’s the best news of the season so far, but still a lot of work ahead and still a very competitive and tough fight in the midfield.”
That midfield fight will be on full display at Spa. The track has always been a challenge for drivers, and the mixed weather forecast means anything can happen.
Wheatley settling into the team
Jonathan Wheatley joined Sauber earlier this season and has already made a quiet but noticeable impact. The former Red Bull sporting director brings a different level of operational sharpness, and Hülkenberg said his influence is already being felt.
“Jonathan — I think he arrived, and it’s still quite fresh. But coming from a team that has been so successful and dominant in Formula 1 and operationally very strong, I think he sees us with a fresh pair of eyes with his experience.”
He said it didn’t take long for Wheatley to start fine tuning how the team operates across a race weekend.
“Very quickly he saw possibilities to optimise here and there. It’s just shortcuts to performance and to a better and a more streamlined organisation and race operation. He applied some things in the structure of the team which are beneficial and helpful.”
Hülkenberg added that these changes have not been dramatic, but they are already making a difference.
“Often, it’s just little tweaks, but many little tweaks are a positive contribution. And back at the factory, there’s a lot more work to do as we grow, to put the pieces into position and make sure they work productively in the future.”
Building on momentum heading to F1 Belgian GP
Nico Hülkenberg heads into the F1 Belgian GP looking to build on his breakthrough at Silverstone and continue Sauber’s recent run of form. The car has taken a step forward, the team environment feels more structured, and the confidence is growing. After finally reaching the podium, he now has a platform to push deeper into the second half of the season.
