Gabriel Bortoleto, the young Brazilian driver, has publicly expressed his view on Nico Hulkenberg’s Formula 1 journey, describing it as largely unfair. Speaking in 2025, Bortoleto suggested that Hulkenberg’s talent was not matched by the opportunities in his career, which only recently saw its first podium finish despite nearly 15 years in the sport.
During an appearance on the Beyond the Grid podcast, Bortoleto reflected on Hulkenberg’s prolonged wait for a top-three finish. He highlighted the German driver’s ability and predicted that with better support and machinery, Hulkenberg could have reached far greater heights in Formula 1.
“He has been in Formula 1 for 15 years. He struggled to get a first career podium only this year. I’m all about fairness in my life. I never thought his career was fair. Nico could have achieved so much more with the right cars and good teams behind him, and I don’t think he did.”
—Gabriel Bortoleto, Kick Sauber teammate
Hulkenberg’s early promise was clear during his junior racing success, having clinched titles in both Euro Formula 3 and GP2. Despite this, his transition to Formula 1 did not yield similar podium results for the long term. It was only at the 2025 British Grand Prix in Silverstone that Hulkenberg finally broke his 239-race streak without a podium by finishing third in challenging weather conditions, marking a major milestone late in his career.
Assessment of Hulkenberg’s 2025 Season Progress
Looking back at his 2025 season, Nico Hulkenberg has acknowledged significant improvements both personally and for the Sauber team. Interviewed before the Hungarian Grand Prix, Hulkenberg noted the team’s upward trajectory since the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona, emphasizing the advances made following the winter testing period earlier in the year.
“I think it’s been a very positive first half of the season up until the summer break, obviously, since Barcelona, we’ve really managed to turn things around.
—Nico Hulkenberg, Sauber driver
“If you look where we started in winter testing compared to where we are now, this is definitely good progress, and a lot has happened since.”
—Nico Hulkenberg, Sauber driver
This progress is reflected not only in Hulkenberg’s breakthrough podium but also in the overall performance of the Kick Sauber team. By mid-2025, Sauber had accumulated 55 points across the season, already surpassing the mere four points scored over the entirety of 2024. This rapid improvement illustrates the team’s growing competitiveness on the grid.
Meanwhile, Hulkenberg’s rookie teammate, Gabriel Bortoleto, has also made notable strides, consistently earning points finishes and achieving a top-six result in the Hungarian Grand Prix. Their joint efforts underscore Sauber’s strengthening position heading into the remainder of the season.
The Broader Impact of Hulkenberg’s Career and Future Prospects
Nico Hulkenberg’s journey in Formula 1 represents a story of perseverance amid challenging circumstances, where talent occasionally met with limited opportunity. His long wait for a podium highlighted issues of timing and team support rather than a lack of skill, a view reinforced by his younger teammate’s comments. Hulkenberg’s 2025 season resurgence and Sauber’s improved form suggest that with better resources and team dynamics, even established drivers can still make significant impacts late in their careers.
As the Sauber team continues to build on this momentum, Hulkenberg’s career achievements may yet inspire a renewed appreciation for drivers whose potential remains underrecognized. With the season still underway beyond the summer break, further strong performances could reshape perceptions of his Formula 1 legacy.
