The latest F1 beyond the grid podcast features the German driver Nick Heidfeld. He was one of the snappiest and most reliable drivers of the 2000s. Quick Nick talks to Tom Clarkson about his 183-race F1 vocation; the vehicles, the groups and the opponents who intrigued him most. Also what it resembled to experience childhood in the shadow of driving ability encompassing the home kart track of Michael Schumacher.

Nick Heidfeld achieved 13 podium finishes, which is the most any driver has in history without winning a race. He was a man who went head to head in equivalent cars with any semblance of Robert Kubica, Mark Webber, and Kimi Raikkonen and often dominated the competition.

In spite of scoring regular podium finishes in 2005 with Williams, and in 2007 and 2008 with BMW Sauber, Heidfeld always lost a race in the wake of appearing in Formula One out of 2000. Heidfeld at present holds three Formula One records; most podium without a Grand Prix win (13), most runner up completes without a success (8), and the most back to back race classifications (41).

In 2011, Heidfeld raced in Formula One for the Renault group as a substitution for the injured Robert Kubica, his previous BMW Sauber teammate, before being supplanted by Bruno Senna.

Nick won the F3 championship and the Formula 3000 series. He was seen as Germany’s next Michael Schumacher.

Nick’s views on Michael Schumacher

A driver from Germany has a lot riding on him. Why, because of the benchmarks set by the great Michael Schumacher. When asked about Michael Schumacher, Nick said ” Well, at the beginning of my career when he was winning world championships. I never was in a car where I could fight him.”

Trending

Liam Lawson’s Surprise Contract Clause Threatens Daniel Ricciardo’s RB Seat

April 24, 2024 11:15 AM EDT

F1 Rumor: Adrian Newey to Join Ferrari, Leaving Red Bull Amid Christian Horner-Helmut Marko Fiasco

April 25, 2024 05:55 PM EDT

“[Charles] Leclerc Doesn’t Care About Ferrari”: F1 Insider’s Brutal Blow to Fred Vasseur & Co. Has Racing Community Lashing Out

April 24, 2024 05:00 PM EDT

What Is Azzurro La Plata and Azzurro Dino? Significance of Ferrari’s Historic Change to a Blue Livery for Miami GP

April 24, 2024 04:52 PM EDT

F1 Rumor: Oliver Bearman to Join Haas as Nico Hulkenberg Leaves Seat Empty to Join Kick Sauber Team

April 26, 2024 10:45 AM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest F1 stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

“When I was in Monaco for Formula 3000, I was watching the race. He was the most outstanding driver of all,” he adds.

He was also a fan of the great German but said he could never compete with the seven-times world champion.

“His fitness capacities, his engineering capacities, his pure driving was just phenomenal.”

When asked about his nature and whether he provided any support, Nick said ” Yes, he is ruthless, aggressive, sometimes not fair on the circuit. Whereas completely different off circuit he is the most lovely person.”