Charles Leclerc expressed happiness with his third-place finish at the US Grand Prix, marking his first podium since July despite a challenging second half of the season. He took a risky start on soft tires, overtook Norris early, and fought hard during the race, ultimately finishing behind Norris after a close duel. Leclerc was pleased with his performance given recent difficulties, including a gearbox issue in practice.
Carlos Sainz achieved his first podium with Williams at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, ending a tough season and expressing immense happiness and pride in overcoming challenges and demonstrating the team's progress.
Carlos Sainz, starting second after a chaotic qualifying session at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, aims to secure his first podium for Williams, highlighting his speed and consistency despite recent bad luck, and hopes to improve his standing in the championship.
Nico Hulkenberg achieved his first-ever F1 podium with Sauber at the British GP, finishing third in a race marked by rain and strategic excellence, which also signaled a positive momentum for Sauber's team as they aim for greater success in the season.
Nico Hulkenberg's first F1 podium at the British Grand Prix ends his record for most starts without a podium, highlighting his resilience and skill despite a career marked by missed opportunities and mistakes.
Esteban Ocon secured his third podium finish in Formula 1 and gave Alpine their first rostrum appearance since 2021 at the Monaco Grand Prix. Ocon held on to take third place despite pressure from Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz and rain falling on the track. The Frenchman described himself as ‘on a cloud’ and thanked his team for their support. Ocon’s teammate Pierre Gasly finished in seventh place.
Wout van Aert suffered a puncture just as he attacked the leading group of favorites over the Carrefour de l’Arbre at Paris-Roubaix, ending his chances of winning and allowing Mathieu van der Poel to ride off into the distance on his way to victory. Van Aert, who has had a strained relationship with the cobbled monument, said that the Hell of the North seems cursed for him. Despite the puncture, he was able to reach the podium and felt that he had the legs to do more.
Fernando Alonso's podium finish at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix was initially taken away due to a penalty for crossing the line marking his grid spot, but the penalty was later overturned after a confusing and controversial series of events. The FIA initially imposed a 10-second time penalty, but Alonso's team appealed and presented evidence that touching the car during a penalty period did not constitute "work" on the car. The FIA eventually overturned the penalty and Alonso regained his third-place finish.
