Nico Hulkenberg reflects on 'surreal' podium after vanquishing unwanted F1 record

Nico Hulkenberg has conceded it will "take a few days to process everything" after earning the first podium finish of his F1 career at the British Grand Prix.

The German driver, who made his debut in 2010, sewed together an improbably drive from P19 to third at Silverstone. In doing so, he hands the unenviable record of most F1 starts without a trip to the rostrum back to compatriot Adrian Sutil.

On the 239th time of asking, the Stake driver - and his team - made use of the changeable conditions and ensuing chaos, getting key strategic calls correct and showing strong pace to hold off the Ferrari of Lewis Hamilton.

In the post-race FIA press conference, the 37-year-old highlighted how "intense" the race had been from not only his perspective but for the entire field.

"[I'm] happy, but, you know, it's a lot to take in, to process," Hulkenberg told media, including RacingNews365. "It's been a very intense race.

"I think Lando [Norris] has put it pretty well - it's so intense for us in the car in these changeable conditions on a damp track.

"You always feel like with one foot you're in the wall when you're exploring and on the limit and then trying to push. So, yeah, very intense.

"Obviously, it was a kind of a distance battle with Lewis at the end, who was making up some ground, but not enough, luckily for us at the end."

With Franco Colapinto starting from the pit lane (the Argentine was technically registered as a Did Not Start after a driveline issue on his Alpine), Hulkenberg occupied the final slot on the grid.

Given his lowly starting position, the now one-time podium finisher labelled the result "surreal", before alluding to his plans to fully celebrate the achievement in the break before the Belgian Grand Prix.

"So, yeah, everything coming together, big relief, very happy, very positive day," he added. "From a massive low yesterday being almost last, literally on the grid, to this result is kind of surreal.

"It's going to take a few days to process everything and take it all in. Good news is we have two weeks now to enjoy it and to celebrate it properly over the next week before we go again."