Nico Hulkenberg celebrated his 38th birthday on Tuesday, August 19, marked by a touching message from his wife, Egle Hulkenberg. The Sauber driver, known for his steady presence in Formula 1, continues to impress fans and the paddock alike, especially after a memorable 2024 season highlighting his enduring skill.
Reflecting on a Standout Season for the F1 Veteran
Though his F1 career may be approaching its twilight, Nico Hulkenberg’s performances remain remarkable. The 2024 season, in particular, stands out as one of his most cherished, featuring his first podium finish after 238 race starts. This milestone came during the British Grand Prix on July 6, where Hulkenberg climbed unexpectedly from 19th to 3rd place in a challenging wet-and-dry race, thanks to Sauber’s strategic brilliance. His achievement stole the spotlight from Lando Norris’ maiden victory on home soil and McLaren’s impressive one-two finish.
Egle Hulkenberg’s Loving Birthday Tribute on Social Media
To honour her husband’s 38th birthday, Egle Hulkenberg posted heartfelt wishes on Instagram, sharing a collection of photos celebrating their life together. The images included picturesque moments from various locations and featured their daughter, Noemi Sky. Among the pictures was a birthday cake decorated with macarons and a message reading “Happy Birthday Hulk.”
In her caption, Egle kept her message brief but full of warmth, capturing the affection she holds for Nico. Egle, a Lithuanian fashion designer and founder of a hand-crochet clothing brand bearing her own name, is active in modeling her creations on Instagram, where she has amassed over 46,000 followers. The couple married in June 2021 after dating for six years, weaving a strong bond alongside their personal and professional journeys.
A Memorable Birthday Gift Story with Former Teammate Kevin Magnussen
In a lighter moment from the F1 paddock, Nico Hulkenberg gained attention for a quirky birthday gift to his former Haas teammate Kevin Magnussen. On October 5, 2023, as Magnussen celebrated turning 31 at the Qatar Grand Prix weekend, the Haas team organized a cake and festivities in their hospitality area. When asked during the Thursday press conference if he had brought a gift, Hulkenberg initially teased that Magnussen would receive a “personal” surprise later.
“Yeah, he got a cake. And he’s gonna have another special gift later, a personal one,” —Nico Hulkenberg, F1 Driver
Under further questioning by press conference host Tom Clarkson, Hulkenberg revealed the unusual present.
“It’s a toilet brush! I’m sure you don’t want to know the details!” —Nico Hulkenberg, F1 Driver
When pressed for more explanation, Hulkenberg smiled and clarified the context behind the gift.
“All I can really say is that you know in the European season, the driver rooms are in the back of trucks. We share the toilet and the shower, and stuff. So that’s all I can say!” —Nico Hulkenberg, F1 Driver
Transitions and Future Prospects for Both Drivers
Following the conclusion of the 2024 season, both Hulkenberg and Magnussen departed from Haas. Magnussen was unable to secure a seat for the 2025 season, while Hulkenberg signed a long-term deal with Sauber, soon to be branded as Audi. Coincidentally, Hulkenberg’s breakthrough podium finish at Silverstone took place with Magnussen watching on from the paddock, marking the Dane’s first appearance since leaving Haas.
Nico Hulkenberg’s birthday wish from Egle reflects the deep support behind a driver still striving at the heart of Formula 1. His steady presence and recent accomplishments hint at what could be a strong final chapter in his career, while the camaraderie and humor shared with former teammates like Magnussen offer a glimpse into the close-knit community within the sport. As the 2025 season approaches, Hulkenberg’s journey remains one to watch for fans and analysts alike.