Fans Crown Hülkenberg's Podium and Norris's Title as 2025's Top Moments
F1 fans have voted Nico Hülkenberg's long-awaited first podium and Lando Norris's maiden drivers' championship as the standout moments of the thrilling 2025 season.
Formula 1 fans have crowned two contrasting moments as the highlights of the 2025 season: Nico Hülkenberg's emotional, long-awaited first podium and Lando Norris's maiden drivers' championship. In a bracket-style vote by Motorsport.com, Hülkenberg's wet-weather masterclass at the British Grand Prix won on Facebook and Instagram, while Norris's title-clinching campaign took the top spot on X. These moments capture the season's narrative of underdog triumph and a changing of the guard at the top.
Why it matters:
The results highlight what truly resonates with the F1 audience beyond just race results. Hülkenberg's victory is a powerful testament to perseverance, rewarding a driver who waited a record 5,593 days for a podium finish. Meanwhile, Norris's championship represents a significant shift in the sport's landscape, marking the arrival of a new, popular champion and the culmination of McLaren's resurgence to the top.
The details:
- Nico Hülkenberg's British GP Podium:
- The German driver secured his first-ever F1 podium in a chaotic, wet race at Silverstone, driving from 19th on the grid to 3rd.
- His wait of 5,593 days set a new record for the longest time between a driver's first start and first podium.
- An emotional Hülkenberg called it "one of the best days of my career" after a "sketchy" race in changeable conditions.
- Lando Norris's Drivers' Title:
- The McLaren driver clinched his first championship in a dramatic season finale in Abu Dhabi.
- His third-place finish was enough to hold off a late-season charge from Max Verstappen, securing the title by a mere two points.
- A visibly moved Norris said, "I didn't think I would cry but I did," thanking his team and family for their support on his "long journey."
Looking Ahead:
These fan-selected moments will define the legacy of the 2025 season, a year marked by unexpected results and a compelling title fight. As F1 heads toward the 2026 regulation changes, the stories of Hülkenberg's perseverance and Norris's coronation provide a powerful narrative bridge to the next era. The focus now shifts to whether the new champion can defend his crown and if other underdogs can find their own moment of glory.