Pierre Gasly's reaction to Nico Hulkenberg's maiden podium speaks volumes as unheard radio message emerges

Pierre Gasly's reaction to Nico Hulkenberg's first F1 podium has emerged in an unheard team radio message from the British Grand Prix.

Hulkenburg finished third at Silverstone in an action-packed race to spray champagne for the first time in his long Formula 1 career.

The German holds the record for the most number of starts - 239 - before achieving a podium, finishing behind the McLaren duo of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, who Hulkenberg shared an exchange with during his inaugural trip to the cooldown room.

Norris won his home race for the first time to close the gap on Drivers' Championship leader and teammate Piastri to just eight points at the halfway point of the season.

Nico Hulkenberg celebrates finishing third at the British Grand Prix. (Image: Getty)

The third-placed finish has seen Hulkenburg move up to ninth in the standings, while the 37-year-old's Sauber team now sits sixth in the Constructors' Championship after his 15 points saw the Swiss-based side leap up three positions.

Hulkenburg said: "It's been an emotional rollercoaster this weekend, being virtually last [on Saturday], so a pretty bad day to one of the best days of my career - it's obviously a lot to take in.

"That race was intense, with all the changes of conditions, it was sketchy. A high-speed track with changeable conditions is never easy.

"While I'm happy and relived, I'm mostly tired, and looking forward to getting home, to be honest."

During a long F1 career, the German has driven for multiple teams including Williams, Renault, two spells at Force India, and been a reserve driver who has had appearances for Racing Point and Aston Martin.

Plenty of drivers expressed their happiness for Hulkenburg after he had finally achieved a podium after such a long time, including his Sauber team-mate Gabriel Bortoleto who had retired from the race at Silverstone.

Nico Hulkenburg finished third at the British Grand Prix. (Image: Getty)

Speaking over team radio, the rookie said: "Man, you don't know how happy I am for you. You are a legend. Absolutely insane what you did today."

And Bortoleto was not alone in expressing how happy he was for Hulkenburg, as Alpine driver Gasly - who has five podiums and a race victory to his name - reacted over team radio after learning the news.

He said: "No way! That's nice. Congrats to Nico. Been a long time coming so good for him."

Williams driver Alex Albon - who has stood on the podium on two occasions - also offered his congratulations to Hulkenburg over team radio.

He said: "Is Nico third? Congrats to Nico, what a legend! It's his first podium isn't it?"