Breaking records is not always a positive feat in Formula 1. Hans Heyer will always remain infamous for being the only driver in Formula 1 history to DNQ, DNF and DSQ at a race. A more recent example, however, is the case of Haas driver, Nico Hulkenberg.
Even though he has accumulated 530 points, a pole position and even 2 fastest laps, the German is most famous for holding the record for most races raced without a podium, at 193 races and counting. Nevertheless, despite the ridicule, he managed to put a positive spin on this issue during an interview with Autosport.com.
Nico Hulkenberg opens up on zero podium finish record
Hulkenberg has been the subject of ridicule on this matter for a good while now, and has always had trouble defending it. But in a recent interview, the Haas driver while defending his zero podium career highlighted a new attitude to racing.
Speaking to Autosport.com, he elucidates upon his defense, saying “Obviously, when you start thinking about it that’s a little bit frustrating. Because every racing driver back then and even now wants to win, ideally. But at the same time, I’ve never had the car. I’ve had good cars and also had opportunities to deliver the podium, but then for various reasons, it never really happened. Never clicked and happened.”
Maintaining that he is still in a happy place, he continues “I’m still in a good, happy place – enjoying myself. And if I reflect back, of course there were things I could’ve done better. But I’m not bitter or frustrated about it. I’m in a good place and going to hit I think 200 grands prix later in the season – somewhere around Mexico [in October].”
“And whilst not having the podium, I think if I would be so bad I would’ve not managed to stick around [for] 200 grands prix – so, there must be some good in there too somewhere.”
You raise a very valid point there, Nico!
Despite all the ridicule thrown his way, there have been many memorable moments nonetheless from his (almost) 200 race career now.
Hulkenberg’s track history over almost 200 GP
Making his Formula 1 debut with Williams in 2010, the German had the highest finish of P6 that season. Despite a solid season, he was replaced by the well-funded Pastor Maldonado, forcing Hulkenberg into a 1-year sabbatical.
He returned with Force India in 2012, nearly winning them a race at the 2012 Brazil GP, being in the lead for 29 laps, though a mistake cost him both the win and a penalty, consequently dropping him off the podium places. After a quick stint at Sauber in 2013, he returned to Force India in 2014 to team up with Sergio Perez.
However, Perez managed to out-class Hulkenberg multiple times on track, earning two podiums for himself. Hulkenberg could only finish as high as P4, which has remained true for the rest of his career.
But that statistic disguises the epic title that decorates his career more subtly: a Le Mans win! In 2015, Hulkenberg won the Le Mans 24 Hours championship , the first serving F1 driver since 1991!
Moving on the momentum of this achievement, he join Renault for two seasons, the most memorable moment being another near-miss with a podium, crashing out of the top 3 positions.
He was out of a seat from 2020 to 2023, save for two famous ‘#Hulkenbacks’ with Racing Point and Aston Martin, as a substitute driver. This season, he replaced Mick Schumacher at Haas. His positive attitude is reflected in his performance, as he has been consistently ahead of his teammate, Kevin Magnussen!
Do you think Nico will ever get to pop a champagne after a race? At the moment, his Haas challenger doesn’t seem likely to grant him that opportunity. Comment what you think down below!
