The Mercedes F1 team’s heartwarming gesture to elevate Nico Hulkenberg’s maiden podium celebration is winning hearts online. Mercedes delivered champagne bottles to Sauber’s hospitality after the British Grand Prix, adding to the team’s celebratory mood.
The British GP at Silverstone was one race that kept fans on the edge of their seats, given the numerous twists and turns with rain-triggered yellow flags. Eventually, McLaren proved its dominance again after Lando Norris secured his first home race victory, followed by Oscar Piastri in second, who lost a potential victory due to a ten-second penalty for a safety car infringement.
However, it was Hulkenberg’s P3 finish that stole the limelight, considering it was his first podium finish in F1 since his debut with Williams in 2010. As his team cheered for him and danced in Sauber’s hospitality, Mercedes sent a bag full of champagne bottles, marking its contribution to the momentous moment.
Rumors suggest that Sauber did not anticipate a podium finish, and with no champagne in sight, Mercedes stepped up with a classy and well-timed gesture. Aston Martin reportedly delivered additional champagne, which might have enhanced the team’s celebratory mood.
Fans have reacted strongly to Mercedes’ kind gesture; some reactions are below:
This fan said it rightly:
“F1 world is healing [heart].”
This fan is on point:
“Hulk getting the podium is so peak”
Looking at the celebrations, this could be true:
“Hulkenberg getting podium is bigger than Lando winning the race”
A grateful fan:
“Proof that everybody are so happy by Nico’s podium. Thanks @mercedesamgf1 for showing your greatness with @stakef1team!”
Hulkenberg’s podium arrives after 239 Grands Prix, making it the longest dry run in F1 history. Speaking after the race, Hulkenberg said:
“I always knew, you know, we have it in us, I have it in me somewhere. I mean, what a race, coming from virtually last, doing it all over again from last weekend. It’s pretty surreal, to be honest.
“Not sure how it all happened, but obviously, crazy conditions, mixed conditions. It was a survival fight for a lot of the race. I think we just were really on it, the right course, the right tyres, in the right moment, made no mistakes. And, yeah, quite incredible.”
The 37-year-old driver managed to keep seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton at bay after Hamilton’s slow pit stop gave him the extra edge he needed. Hulkenberg added:
“Yeah, I mean today I was in denial ’till probably the last pit stop.
“And then when I heard we gapped Lewis quite a bit with the one extra lap, I was like, OK, you know, this is good. This is some breathing space.
“But then, you know, he was catching quite quickly. So, yeah, the pressure was there. It was an intense race.”
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