"You smash race faster than I smash. Respect."

SILVERSTONE—Add him to the list of people experiencing extreme automotive happiness today. The Incredible Hulk himself extended his emerald-thumb of approval and passed the green man baton to Nico Hülkenberg following the German’s remarkable third-place finish at the British Grand Prix. Hulk, deep gravelly voice echoing across digital airwaves, boomed: “You smash race faster than I smash. Respect.”

And why shouldn’t the Hulk be impressed? Hülkenberg delivered a masterclass at Silverstone, rising from 19th on the grid to claim P3 — his first ever podium in 239 Grand Prix starts — powered by genius strategy, flawless overtakes, nerves of steel amid tricky rain-to-dry transitions, and the calming presence of Kevin Magnussen.

Sauber celebrated their first podium since 2012, while Hülkenberg shattered the record for most starts without a podium — a long-running "most overdue" blockbuster moment that he was definitely aiming for and didn’t stumble into by sheer chaos. Not at all.

Silverstone’s shifting weather threw carnage and caution onto the tarmac. Norris emerged victorious, Piastri edged out Verstappen after some safety car drama and a penalty, and Hülkenberg seized the chaos. A perfectly timed pit stop and top-tier tire strategy saw him hold off teams with extreme budgets that have no business being beat by Sauber and Ferrari.

In another note that sounds like we made it up, Hülkenberg’s acceptance of a Lego trophy — part of this year’s totally quirky Silverstone prize package, thanks to massive contracts trading billions of dollars for children’s eyeballs — was a fitting symbol of his long but ultimately triumphant journey. “My daughter can play with it too,” he quipped, while probably thinking what the f… It’s no wonder the Hulk is jealous, although less jealous about the trophy.

So yes, the Incredible Hulk salutes you, Nico. Emerald by name, emerald by game. Racecars, not cityscapes, are your domain. And both Hulk and Banner can agree — you're the Hulk now.