Pre Race
Chasing points at Silverstone!
After scoring points in three consecutive weekends – including a double points finish for the team in Austria last week – Nico Hulkenberg is ready for another push as the 12th round of the 2025 Formula 1 World Championship takes place at Silverstone this weekend. The Stake F1 Team KICK Sauber squad aims to build on its strong momentum and maximise the potential of its latest upgrade package.
“Scoring double points in Austria was another great morale boost for the team and showed what we’re capable of when everything clicks. We’ve been making steady progress, race by race, and the team’s hard work and dedication are beginning to pay off on track, which is really encouraging,” says Nico Hulkenberg.
“There’s still room to improve, but I’m confident we can keep building on this progress as the season goes on. I’m looking forward to Silverstone now – it’s a great classic with some spectacular corners and a unique atmosphere in the grandstands,” the German adds.
Practice sessions are already underway at Silverstone, where Alpine reserve driver Paul Aron took over Hulkenberg’s car for FP1 – part of the mandatory rookie programme requiring each full-time driver to give up their seat for a young driver in two free practice sessions during the season.
Qualifying for the British Grand Prix takes place on Saturday at 15:00 local time (GMT +1), while the 52-lap race goes green on Sunday at 15:00.
Want to follow live? Watch every session on the official Formula 1 app!
Silverstone Facts:
- Originally built as a military airfield during the Second World War, Silverstone Circuit hosted the very first Formula 1 Grand Prix – the opening round of the 1950 championship.
- Formula 1 was a hit from the very beginning: in 1950, around 150,000 spectators attended the race – won by Italian Nino Farina in an Alfa Romeo.
- Since that historic first event, Silverstone has undergone several layout changes. The current configuration consists of 18 corners and stretches across 5.9 kilometres.
Qualifying
Ready to rebound!
Recap from Silverstone Circuit and the British Grand Prix, where Saturday’s qualifying was a tough one for Nico Hulkenberg. The Admin By Request-powered Formula 1 driver will start Sunday’s race from P19 after a challenging session – and is hoping for weather conditions that could create opportunities to fight back.
“So far, it’s been a tough weekend for us, and the lack of pace was clear from the start. As the wind picked up, Sector 1 became even more challenging, and I wasn’t able to put the lap together the way I wanted. The windy conditions, especially as light rain approached, made things difficult. While everyone had to deal with it, we seemed to be a bit more affected,” Nico Hulkenberg said.
“Compared to recent weekends where we were competitive, this circuit has highlighted some of our limitations. This track layout simply doesn’t suit us as well as others. Hopefully, some changeable conditions tomorrow will give us an opportunity,” he added.
You can do it, Nico! We’ll be cheering for the green no. 27 when the race starts tomorrow at 15:00 local time (GMT +1).
Want to follow live? Watch every session on the official Formula 1 app.
Race Day
“I am ecstatic!”
What a race! What a comeback! What a moment! Admin By Request ambassador Nico Hulkenberg delivered a stunning drive in the British Grand Prix, climbing from P19 to P3 to claim his first-ever Formula 1 podium!
It all happened in a dramatic race shaped by changing weather and a slippery Silverstone surface. Nico and the Stake F1 Team KICK Sauber crew showed class, control and courage, making the right calls, overtaking rivals – and fending off seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton in the final laps to seal a historic result.
“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,” said Nico Hulkenberg.
“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,” he added.
Not only was it Nico’s first podium in his 239-race career — it was also the team’s first podium finish since 2012!
“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’m 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.”
Time to celebrate! This is a day we won’t forget anytime soon. Congratulations to Nico and the whole team. Now for a well-deserved summer break before the battle continues at Spa-Francorchamps on July 27.
📸 Stake F1 Team KICK Sauber
