F1 veteran finally broke his 15-year podium drought on Sunday

This year's race was a true test of the driver's skill, but also of the team's strategic skills. Rain before and after the race caused problems for drivers looking for grip and teams trying to decide what was the best tire to drive on. 

The German driver was able to keep the car on track while also soaring up the timing table in rapidly evolving conditions. With many rookies being forced to retire from the race due to crashes and the ensuing damage suffered, Hulkenberg showed how valuable it is to have veteran experience.

The result is well deserved for Hulkenberg. The podium drought overshadowed what was otherwise an impressive F1 career. With how long he has been in the sport, it would have been a shame if his career ended without getting to taste champagne on the podium.

Hulkenberg's ability to get the most out of meddling cars is part of the reason he is such a talented driver. His third-place result in a Sauber on Sunday is the perfect example. On the day he outperformed seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton and reigning champion Max Verstappen in a car that has been one of the worst-performing cars on the entire grid.

Now, when his career is over, fans will look back on that superb skill and not some meaningless stat. On a wet day in the United Kingdom in July 2025, Hulkenberg proved that on the day, he was one of the best drivers in the world.