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8 Lesser-Known Facts About Nico Hülkenberg

Beyond the track, his achievements in junior categories, his unexpected triumphs outside F1, and his knack for seizing rare opportunities paint a picture of a driver who defies the typical narrative.
By Melissa JeptooMarch 22, 20254 Mins Read
In image: Nico Hülkenberg

Nico Hülkenberg is a name that resonates with Formula 1 fans as a driver of remarkable talent, resilience, and versatility. Born on August 19, 1987, in Emmerich am Rhein, Germany, Hülkenberg has carved out a career that spans over a decade in the pinnacle of motorsport, competing for teams like Williams, Force India, Sauber, Renault, and Haas. Known for his consistency and speed, he holds the unenviable record of the most F1 starts without a podium finish, yet his journey is far from one-dimensional. Beyond the track, his achievements in junior categories, his unexpected triumphs outside F1, and his knack for seizing rare opportunities paint a picture of a driver who defies the typical narrative. While his pole position at the 2010 Brazilian Grand Prix and his Le Mans victory in 2015 are well-celebrated, there are lesser-known facets of his life and career that showcase his depth and determination.

In image: Nico Hülkenberg

Here are eight intriguing, lesser-known facts about Hülkenberg that highlight why he remains a fascinating figure in motorsport.

1. Karting prodigy at age 10

Hülkenberg’s racing journey began earlier than most realize. At just 10 years old, he dove into competitive karting and quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with. By 2002, he clinched the German Junior Kart Championship, and a year later, he followed it up with the German Kart Championship title.


2. Rookie champion in multiple series

Hülkenberg’s ability to dominate as a newcomer is a testament to his raw skill. In 2005, he won the Formula BMW ADAC championship in his debut season. He then repeated the feat in the 2006–07 A1 Grand Prix series, representing Germany, and again in the 2009 GP2 Series, where he became only the third driver—after Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton—to win the title in his rookie year.


3. A controversial Formula BMW World Final

In 2005, Hülkenberg won the Formula BMW World Final, a prestigious end-of-season event, but his victory was short-lived. After crossing the finish line first, stewards penalized him for allegedly brake-testing other drivers under safety car conditions, demoting him to third place.


4. First active F1 driver to win Le Mans in over two decades

While his 2015 24 Hours of Le Mans victory with Porsche is well-known among motorsport enthusiasts, a lesser-highlighted detail is that Hülkenberg was the first active Formula 1 driver to win the iconic endurance race since Johnny Herbert and Bertrand Gachot in 1991. Teaming up with Earl Bamber and Nick Tandy in the Porsche 919 Hybrid, he showcased his versatility and silenced doubters who questioned his ability to succeed at the highest level.


5. The “Super-Sub” of F1

Hülkenberg has earned a reputation as one of F1’s most reliable stand-in drivers. In 2020, he stepped in for Sergio Pérez at Racing Point after Pérez tested positive for COVID-19, qualifying an astonishing third for the 70th Anniversary Grand Prix despite limited preparation. He returned later that year to replace Lance Stroll at the Eifel Grand Prix, starting last and finishing eighth. In 2022, he subbed for Sebastian Vettel at Aston Martin for the opening two races.


6. A football fanatic with Dortmund loyalty

Off the track, Hülkenberg is an avid football enthusiast and a passionate supporter of Borussia Dortmund. His love for the sport offers a glimpse into his life beyond racing, where he unwinds and connects with his German roots.


7. Charitable efforts through his foundation

Hülkenberg’s impact extends beyond racing through the Nico Hülkenberg Foundation, which he established to support the education and development of children and young people in need. This lesser-known philanthropic side reveals a driver who uses his platform to give back, balancing the high-octane world of F1 with a commitment to making a difference in his community.


8. A Near-Miss Masterpiece at Brazil 2012

The 2012 Brazilian Grand Prix is remembered as one of Hülkenberg’s finest races, yet few recall just how close he came to glory. Starting sixth, he surged to the lead by lap 19, holding off champions like Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton in tricky conditions. He led for 29 laps before a safety car and a late collision with Hamilton dropped him to fifth after a drive-through penalty.

Formula 1 Nico Hülkenberg

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