‘The most overdue podium in F1 history’ – Jonathan Wheatley hails Nico Hulkenberg’s ‘masterclass’ at Silverstone

Kick Sauber Crew Principal Jonathan Wheatley has lauded Nico Hulkenberg’s efforts in securing his maiden F1 podium on the British Grand Prix, calling it “essentially the most overdue podium in F1 historical past”.

The German had the report for essentially the most F1 begins with out scoring a rostrum, however that ended on Sunday as he put in an error-free efficiency in essentially the most testing of situations – in what was his 239th begin – to rise from P19 on the grid to P3 on the flag.

Hulkenberg and Kick Sauber made the precise calls on the proper time – swapping to recent intermediate tyres simply because the rain was beginning to fall once more, earlier than making these final lengthy sufficient to bolt on some mediums on the finish.

Hulkenberg additionally had work to do on monitor as he rose up the order, overtaking Lance Stroll for third after which not making any errors within the closing laps regardless of figuring out Lewis Hamilton was chasing onerous to get again in contact.

“The place do I begin… Essentially the most overdue podium in F1 historical past and the primary podium for the workforce since Japan in 2012,” mentioned Wheatley after the race.

“This was a weekend of highs and lows however, finally, we pulled all of it collectively and when the chance was there, we grabbed it with each fingers.”

“From beginning in nineteenth to P3 this was the bottom ever beginning place for a podium finisher in Sauber’s 32-year historical past and, after 239 Grand Prix begins, Nico delivered the products. No driver is extra deserving of a podium than Nico.”

Wheatley isn’t any stranger to success in F1, moving to Kick Sauber from Pink Bull to be a part of the mission that can finally see the workforce rework into Audi from subsequent season.

And the Briton was in little doubt concerning the magnitude of what Hulkenberg did on Sunday, calling his efforts, amongst different issues, a “masterclass.”

“Nico drove an excellent race right now, the most effective I’ve seen at Silverstone and the most effective I’ve seen of any driver ever,” he mentioned. “It appears unbelievable to me that we’re all celebrating a podium because it feels to me like he ought to have been getting all of them his profession.

“I am unable to communicate for anybody aside from myself. I’ve thought of him to be a unprecedented expertise for a really very long time, and I feel I have been constant in saying that to everybody right here. It appeared unbelievable to me that he is by no means achieved a podium in his profession.”

With Hulkenberg’s Silverstone achievement secured, and with the regulation change incoming for subsequent 12 months, in addition to an opportunity for the pecking order to be jumbled up – can the German now go one higher and win in Method 1?

“I feel Nico confirmed right now what he is able to,” Wheatley continued. “I feel given the precise race automotive, given the precise circumstances, he is able to delivering that. I’ve little doubt he can win a race.

“He is an excellent driver and he simply confirmed it right now.”

Wheatley was additionally fast to pay credit score to Hulkenberg’s clear and calm course over the radio all through a frenetic race that noticed a number of crashes, spins and loads of technique dilemmas.

Gabriel Bortoleto didn’t make it to the flag after spinning off on the medium tyres on a moist monitor – however the rookie caught round to take heed to Hulkenberg’s radio all through the race and study from his skilled workforce mate.

“Gabriel has an incredible work ethic, and he has a capability for studying,” the Sauber workforce boss continued. “He desires to study. He is drawing data out of every little thing.

“He takes data in from all over the place. I feel for him to sit down there in these situations and take heed to Nico asking all the precise questions and conversations on the radio, it is solely going to make him stronger.”