Nico Hulkenberg, the German Formula 1 driver, continues to experience an unusual podium drought despite his resilience and consistent performances throughout the 2025 F1 season. Former GP2 Series champion and F1 TV presenter Davide Valsecchi strongly criticized the sport for overlooking Hulkenberg’s impressive career, highlighting the driver’s ongoing struggle to reach the podium after 237 races.
Hulkenberg, age 37, made a notable return to Formula 1 twice in his career, with his latest comeback occurring in 2023 when he joined Haas, replacing Mick Schumacher. His steady performances with the American team earned him a coveted contract with the soon-to-be Audi-backed Sauber team. Although Sauber’s 2025 car has struggled with competitiveness, Hulkenberg has managed to score points and show flashes of promise despite the team’s challenges.
In the opening race of the season in Australia, Hulkenberg collected six points, followed by a strong fifth-place finish at the Spanish Grand Prix and an eighth-place finish in the Canadian Grand Prix, demonstrating his ability to capitalize on race opportunities. Valsecchi expressed his admiration and frustration during the F1 TV post-race show, saying,
“I’m amazed about this man… On the sporting side, it is unfair that this man didn’t get any podium in F1 because your career is so good and I hope for the future gives you the chance because you are rock solid at the moment. Well done.”
—Davide Valsecchi, F1 TV Presenter and Former GP2 Series Champion
Why Hulkenberg’s Finish in Canada Marked a Personal Highlight
Although the Sauber C45 has not consistently competed in the midfield, Hulkenberg has impressed with his ability to extract maximum value from the underperforming machine. During the Canadian Grand Prix, his points finish was aided by the incidents involving Alex Albon and Franco Colapinto on the opening lap, which allowed Hulkenberg to slip past the two drivers cleanly and gain crucial positions.
Reflecting on the race in the post-event interview, Hulkenberg explained,
“It was a good fun little race, clean. Stayed out of trouble on lap one and Franco [Colapinto] and Alex [Albon] were doing the work for me, I picked them up on the exit of turn nine, which was very-very handy. From there onward, just managed the car and the tires and kind of cover the position.”
—Nico Hulkenberg, Sauber Driver
Starting from 11th on the grid, Hulkenberg’s ability to maintain his position over 70 laps and finish in eighth place demonstrated his racecraft and strategic awareness. After securing four points in Canada, his season tally reached 20 points in 10 races, placing him 11th in the Drivers’ Championship standings.
Assessing the Impact of Hulkenberg’s 2025 Season and Future Prospects
Nico Hulkenberg’s consistent performances despite the challenges faced by Sauber highlight his resilience and skill behind the wheel. His ability to navigate difficult race conditions and deliver steady points suggests a level of professionalism and talent that has often been overlooked by fans and pundits alike. With the upcoming seasons and the involvement of Audi in the team‘s future, Hulkenberg may yet receive the opportunities necessary to end his podium drought.
Valsecchi’s criticism of the sport’s failure to award Hulkenberg a podium finish underscores the broader discussion about how driver achievements are measured beyond just wins. As Hulkenberg continues to compete and display reliability, his perseverance adds a deeper narrative to the 2025 F1 grid, where underdog stories remain compelling for fans of the sport.