Nico Hulkenberg | Sauber
Score: 7.5
Position: 9th | Points: 37
When the season began, few would have predicted that a Sauber would be celebrating a podium finish. The team’s performance during pre-season testing was dismal, resembling that of a struggling tractor. However, Nico Hulkenberg, drawing on his extensive experience, has remarkably steered the car to unexpected successes.
Hulkenberg has secured points on five occasions, including each of the last four races. While there was an element of fortune involved in his surprise third-place finish at Silverstone, he displayed genuine speed during the latter stages of the race, demonstrating that even Lewis Hamilton found it challenging to close the gap.
Achieving third place marked a significant milestone for Hulkenberg, being his first podium in his impressive 239-race career. This achievement stands out as one of the season’s most uplifting narratives, further reinforcing the notion that Hulkenberg deserves a chance with a top-tier team.
As Sauber transitions into the factory Audi team next season, he’s definitely one to watch.