Formula 1: Lando Norris wins Silverstone GP - Sensation by Nico Hülkenberge

Even in the cockpit, Nico Hülkenberg's joy at his first Formula 1 podium finish was already welling up in tears. Overwhelmed, the 37-year-old was barely able to contain his emotions after the end of his unwanted record-breaking streak. "It's pretty unbelievable. I don't know how it all happened," said Hülkenberg after storming from second-to-last on the grid to third place in the rain-ravaged Silverstone race car.

The Emmerich native had waited in vain for 238 Grand Prix finishes, longer than any other driver in Formula 1 history, before the bitter end came on a typical British summer day. "That was the most overdue podium finish in Formula 1 history. It was a masterpiece by Nico," team principal Jonathan Wheatley told Sky.

Only home winner Lando Norris and championship leader Oscar Piastri were defeated by Hülkenberg. "This is beautiful. This is everything I've ever dreamed of," enthused Norris.

The McLaren duo also extended their lead over world champion Max Verstappen in the overall standings in an eventful race. The Red Bull superstar suffered a disastrous slip-up following heavy showers and several safety car interventions.

Provoked by a dangerous braking maneuver by long-time leader Piastri, who received a time penalty, Verstappen spun and finished only fifth. He now sits third in the World Championship, 69 points behind Piastri and 61 points behind Norris.

But the man of the day was Hülkenberg. With his routine and perfect strategy, he survived the wild action and was able to celebrate at the end, completely unexpectedly. "The conditions were crazy; most of the time it was a fight for survival," he said.

Fifteen years after his debut at Williams and in the late autumn of an eventful career, Hülkenberg rewarded himself for his perseverance. He also made a real statement for the racing team, which will compete as an Audi works team next season. "I didn't want to believe it until the last pit stop," Hülkenberg admitted.

Silverstone record winner Lewis Hamilton also couldn't get past in his Ferrari, finishing fourth. "I feel sorry for the fans, but I thought to myself: Today is my day," said Hülkenberg.

Heavy rain had put the 160,000 fans to the test in the hours before the start. Record champion Hamilton, who had already won nine times at Silverstone, was pleased with the conditions. "I love that it's raining, this is British weather," said the 40-year-old before his first home race since switching to Ferrari. "I've never seen so many Brits in red," Hamilton remarked after glancing at the stands.

His joy about the wet conditions stemmed from the slight disappointment in qualifying, when Hamilton only managed fifth place due to a minor braking error. Like many drivers from the back rows, the seven-time champion was hoping for weather chaos – and his hopes were answered.

World champion Verstappen secured the front-row starting position with a fabulous lap. With his 44th pole position, the Dutchman also equaled Sebastian Vettel's team record. On the wet asphalt, Verstappen defended the lead through the opening corners against Piastri in the McLaren. Race control had to deploy a virtual safety car twice following accidents on the opening laps.

When the race was back on track, Piastri continued his hunt for Verstappen, forcing his way past on lap eight. Then the rain started again, and the safety car briefly calmed the action.

It had barely left the track when another crash struck. Isack Hadjar slammed his Racing Bulls car into the rear of Kimi Antonelli's Mercedes and flew off the track. Bernd Mayländer was called out again with his safety car.

Things got controversial at the next restart. Piastri accelerated, then suddenly braked almost to a standstill, catching Verstappen off guard. The Red Bull driver briefly zipped past, even though it wasn't yet allowed, and cursed the Australian. Immediately afterwards, Verstappen spun and lost several places.

The race stewards imposed a ten-second penalty on Piastri for his dangerous maneuver. But this didn't help Verstappen much, as he now faced another setback in his title fight.

The two McLarens pulled away at the front. When Piastri served his penalty in the pits, Norris overtook him and was impossible to catch. Behind him, Hülkenberg held his nerve despite a mediocre final tire change and held on to secure a podium finish.

RND/dpa