Hulkenberg claims Silverstone podium "feels kind of surreal"

Having secured his mainden F1 podium in his 239th race at the pinnacle of motorsport, Sauber driver Nico Hulkenberg conceded that the results felt "kind of surreal".

The Mattia Binotto-led Sauber team celebrated a memorable result as Nico Hulkenberg finished third at last Sunday's British Grand Prix. It was a special moment for the German driver, who scored his first-ever Formula One podium at the 239th time of asking; and for the team as a whole, back on the podium for the first time since Kamui Kobayashi’s Suzuka heroics in 2012.

On a race defined by changing weather conditions and Silverstone Circuit’s slippery surface, Hulkenberg went from 19th on the grid to the rostrum.

Having overtaken rivals on his way to P3, the Emmerich-born driver held seven-time World Champion, Lewis Hamilton, at bay in the closing laps to record an emotional finish for the Hinwil-based team.

Reflecting on his maiden F1 podium, Hulkenberg conceded that he was ecstatic and the result felt "kind of surreal".

"I am ecstatic — this is such a special day for the team and for me personally. That first podium feeling... I cannot put it into words. It was such an intense race with changing conditions all the time, and you always feel like you are right on the edge.

“We made the right calls today, especially stopping later for slicks — that decision was crucial and made all the difference. The battle with Lewis in the final stint was really intense.

"He was closing the gap, but I managed to keep him behind and even pull away a little as the tyres came in. I think if it had been a dry race, the day would have looked very different for us, but we made the most of the conditions and took every opportunity.

“Starting from last on the grid and finishing on the podium honestly feels kind of surreal. It’s going to take a few days, a few moments, to process everything and take it all in.

"It’s been a great team effort from start to finish, and I am really proud of what we achieved together. Now, we have two weeks to enjoy this and celebrate properly before we get back to work – and finish the first half of the season on a high."