It has been a week since this year’s British Formula 1 Grand Prix, and we were treated to an eventful, rain-affected race marked by a sterling first-time podium finish for Nico Hulkenberg (Sauber) and a much-discussed 10-second penalty to Oscar Piastri (McLaren) for erratic driving under safety car conditions.
In a career highlight performance, Mr. Hulkenberg drove his Sauber car from 19th position on the starting grid to 3rd position at the end of the race. He holds the record for most Formula 1 race starts without a podium finish, and many rejoiced to see him finally stand on the podium at the end of the race. The consensus is that he is a far better driver than his results would indicate, having often been relegated to cars not at the peak end of performance. For a comedic summary of the race, with a touching tribute to Mr. Hulkenberg’s achievement, see Lollipopman Comics’s video on YouTube.
The first two finishing places went to Messrs. Norris and Piastri of McLaren, marking another one-two finish for that team. But for the time penalty to Mr. Piastri, he would undoubtedly have won; as it was, the crowd was treated to having a British driver winning the British grand prix. (It was Mr. Norris’s first Formula 1 win on home soil, so warmest congratulations to him.) We are now halfway through the 2025 season, and McLaren looks to have an unassailable lead in the constructors’ championship. The drivers’ championship is still very much open, though McLaren can be confident that one of its two drivers will take that title.
A few days after the race, Red Bull announced that its Team Principal, Christian Horner, would be leaving that position. He departs after 20 years in the role, having been the inaugural Team Principal and having seen the team through many Formula 1 constructors’ and drivers’ championship victories during that time. Though still employed by Red Bull for the time being, it is expected that Mr. Horner will be leaving the team shortly.