In what should have been a universally celebrated moment for Nico Hülkenberg, F1 fans are expressing disappointment over the post-race behavior of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri after the 2025 Qatar Grand Prix. The veteran German driver secured his first-ever Formula 1 podium after over a decade in the sport — an emotional and long-awaited achievement. But the podium and cooldown room scenes sparked frustration among fans when the McLaren duo, Norris and Piastri, appeared dismissive and failed to acknowledge Hülkenberg’s milestone.
Footage from the cooldown room — the private space where the top three drivers go before stepping onto the podium — shows Norris and Piastri interacting mostly with each other, seemingly ignoring Hülkenberg. The Haas driver, visibly emotional and excited, stood awkwardly to the side, trying to share the moment. Many fans noticed that neither Norris nor Piastri offered congratulations or made much effort to include him in the conversation.
The podium celebrations added to the fan disappointment. As Hülkenberg took his place on the third step — a career-defining moment — Norris and Piastri opened their champagne and celebrated between themselves. While there was no direct disrespect, the lack of acknowledgment toward Hülkenberg’s achievement did not go unnoticed.
F1 Twitter and Reddit lit up with emotional reactions, with fans calling the moment “disappointing,” “cold,” and a “missed opportunity to show real sportsmanship.” One post read, “This man waited more than a decade and finally got his moment, and it felt like he was invisible.” Others emphasized that in moments like these, even small gestures matter — particularly for a driver who has long been seen as one of F1’s most underrated.
As of now, Norris and Piastri have not commented publicly on the reaction. Some have defended the pair, saying the perceived snub may not have been intentional, and could be attributed to the adrenaline or the focus on their own race results.
Still, for many fans, this moment was about more than just champagne and trophies. It was about respect — for a veteran finally achieving something the sport had long denied him.
For Nico Hülkenberg, the podium finish stands as a career breakthrough. And while the celebration may have lacked the warmth fans hoped for, it remains a landmark achievement that no silence can overshadow.
