Hulkenberg finally gets first Formula 1 podium and Verstappen gives him a lift home on his private jet

After 15 seasons and 239 race starts, Nico Hulkenberg finally stood on a Formula 1 podium at the 2025 British Grand Prix.

In a chaotic, rain-soaked race at Silverstone, the German driver finished third, marking the end of one of the sport’s longest-running statistical oddities.

Fans and pundits had waited years to see the talented veteran finally rewarded, and the moment was nothing short of emotional.

But surprisingly, not everyone in the paddock seemed eager to celebrate with him.

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Fellow podium finishers gave Hulkenberg the cold shoulder

Nico Hulkenberg’s wait for a podium was one of Formula 1’s most infamous records.

Before his third-place finish at the 2025 British Grand Prix, he held the record for the most Grand Prix starts without a top-three result.

Despite driving for competitive teams and regularly outperforming teammates, bad luck, strategy mishaps, and timing always seemed to get in the way.

His drought became a running storyline in F1 circles, turning his recent result into one of the most long-awaited and satisfying podiums in recent memory.

However, his fellow podium finishers from McLaren, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, appeared unenthusiastic during the post-race celebrations.

Neither driver sprayed champagne on him during the podium ceremony, nor did they offer visible congratulations.

The lack of warmth stood out sharply, especially given the historic nature of the achievement.

Many fans online called the behavior disappointing, suggesting that jealousy or frustration may have overshadowed basic sportsmanship.

Max Verstappen was the first to congratulate him

In stark contrast stood Max Verstappen, the reigning world champion that is possibly involved in one of the coldest moves in F1 history.

Despite finishing fifth after a challenging race of his own at the 2025 British Grand Prix, Verstappen was the first to offer congratulations.

The long-time friend of Hulkenberg pulled alongside the German driver on the cooldown lap and gave him a thumbs-up.

Later, he even extended a far more personal gesture, by inviting him onto a $42 million private jet for the flight home.

Verstappen reportedly delayed his departure so the two could celebrate the podium together, a moment of camaraderie that struck a chord with fans and pundits alike.

Hulkenberg spoke warmly about the gesture in post-race interviews.

“Max was the first guy when I got out of the car… We go way back from karting days,” he said.

“I have huge respect for him, what he does, what he stands for. A great human being.”

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