Nico Rosberg says ‘generational’ F1 driver never lived up to his potential despite ‘fantastic’ Spanish Grand Prix result

The Spanish Grand Prix produced one of the most exciting races of the season and a result few would have predicted behind McLaren’s one-two finish.

Oscar Piastri put in another perfect performance to extend his lead at the top of the drivers’ championship ahead of teammate Lando Norris.

However, it was Charles Leclerc who benefited from his qualifying strategy gamble and joined them on the podium instead of Max Verstappen.

Verstappen collided with Leclerc and George Russell after the safety car restart and as a result, picked up a 10-second time penalty.

He was demoted to 10th by the time he crossed the chequered flag, earning several unsuspecting drivers a promotion.

One of those drivers was Sauber star Nico Hulkenberg who produced his best result since the 2019 Italian Grand Prix.

The German earned 10 vital points for his team and impressed 2016 world champion Nico Rosberg in the process.

However, Rosberg couldn’t help but point out that it was a sign Hulkenberg had never quite lived up to his potential during his 15 seasons involved in Formula 1.

READ MORE: Sauber driver Nico Hulkenberg’s life outside F1 from wife to height

Nico Rosberg laments Nico Hulkenberg’s failure to live up to his F1 potential after the Spanish Grand Prix

When Hulkenberg crossed the finish line to secure Sauber’s best result since 2022, he said: “Ah yeah baby, nice! Finally, good job guys. Good job on the updates, this is the reward.

“Thanks very much, great job.”

Rosberg was asked on Sky Sports F1 (1/6 5:02 pm) about his performance and explained: “Well, coming through the ranks he was a generational talent.

“He dominated at every single category including Formula 2, and somehow he never really lived up to his potential in F1.

“He still has never been on the podium, which is a crazy statistic after I don’t know how many years.

“Imagine how close he got today being fifth! But yeah, a fantastic job from him.”

READ MORE: All you need to know about Sauber from team principal to 2026 Audi future

Nico Hulkenberg says Sauber are working ‘full throttle’ on 2026 ahead of Audi F1 takeover

There’s one Hulkenberg stat that speaks volumes about the Formula 1 career he’s had since his debut in 2010.

Hulkenberg has suffered 42 retirements in his 236 Grand Prix starts and only led 43 laps during his time on the grid.

As Rosberg pointed out, Hulkenberg had an incredible junior career, but never had the opportunity to race for a team who were consistently expected to challenge for podium finishes or victories.

Hulkenberg has been signed up until the end of 2026 when Audi would have officially taken over Sauber’s F1 entry.

Sauber have delivered updates in recent races that appear to have helped the team take a significant step forward.

Gabriel Bortoleto produced the best qualifying performance of his F1 career in Spain and was unlucky not to score points.

Hulkenberg says Sauber are working full throttle on 2026, which should give their fans hope that they can be competitive next year.

Mattia Binotto has already conceded Audi won’t have the best power unit and only time will tell how important that’s going to be.