"I feel like Donald Trump": Hülkenberg's boss says after the podium

(Motorsport-Total.com) - In view of the horde of journalists present, the many microphones and cameras aimed at team boss Jonathan Wheatley during his media round after Sauber's sensational podium in Silverstone, the Briton has to smile briefly: "I feel like Donald Trump," he commented on the rush after the first podium for the team from Hinwil since 2012 .

And the very first one ever for his protégé Nico Hülkenberg : "When I saw him under the podium and spoke to him briefly, he seemed almost in shock," laughs Wheatley, who is, however, a bit puzzled: "How can I sum it up? I'm just trying to enjoy the moment now instead of getting back on this unstoppable merry-go-round—the next race, and the next..."

Because first, he wants to give Hülkenberg the recognition he deserves: "Nico drove an outstanding race. One of the best I've ever seen at Silverstone—in fact, one of the best I've ever seen from any driver," Wheatley lavished praise on his veteran: "And it feels incredible to me that we're all celebrating this podium, because it feels like he's earned it his entire career: It's arguably the most overdue podium in history."

Team boss Wheatley is delighted: "A milestone"

The German "showed his full class on Sunday, made no mistakes - and the team also made all the right strategic decisions , stayed on the track when necessary, and then changed to medium tires at the right moment," said the team boss, who added with a broad smile: "I am simply incredibly proud of everyone involved."

Wheatley doesn't believe that Hülkenberg is now perceived differently than before – for one specific reason: "I can only speak for myself, but I've long considered him an exceptional talent. And I think I've consistently communicated that to everyone here." The Briton explains: "It was always hard for me to understand that he'd never been on the podium in his career."

Since this Sunday in Silverstone, however, that blemish is history, after a long 239 races: "Today he showed what he's capable of. And I think it was a milestone for him personally too, because the proverbial 'monkey on his back' is finally gone," grins the former Red Bull man.

Hülkenberg "absolutely capable of winning a race"

Although Wheatley knows a thing or two about winning after winning a series of races with his old team, the feeling of celebrating success with Sauber is quite different – ​​one that the Briton hopes will now inspire the team: "We often talk about how important momentum is in a team. And what I personally take away from this day is: people are starting to believe in us."

Wheatley explains: "I can say it again and again that we are gaining momentum, that we are performing well, that Mattia and all the preparatory work he did before I joined is now bearing fruit. And it's true," says the team principal: "But the road ahead of us as a team is long. But today was a significant step on that journey."

Half a year in advance, the 58-year-old doesn't want to make any concrete predictions about where this project—officially known as Audi starting next year—might lead. However, he does make it clear that the project has ambitious goals, just like the drivers: "Nico showed today what he's capable of. With the right car and the right conditions, he's absolutely capable of winning a race; I have no doubt about that."

Looking ahead to preparations for 2026 and the question of where they currently stand, the team principal adds: "You can think of a plan as a straight line—but along the way there are hairpin bends, red lights, and roadworks. Today was a great day for the team; everyone here is working incredibly hard. We're still a young team coming together," Wheatley adds: "But what we showed today was a mature performance."