Daniil Kvyat claimed his run to third mimicked his whole career after claiming his first podium since 2016 at Hockenheim.
As drivers took the gamble to return to slick tyres soon after the final Safety Car, the Russian found himself passing Lance Stroll for second place through the Parabolika and on to the hairpin.
Ultimately, that would become third as Sebastian Vettel charged through in the final laps, but Kvyat’s P3 marked just the second time the junior Red Bull had reached the podium, the first being Vettel’s win in Monza 2008.
“It’s amazing to be back on the podium,” the Russian stated post-race. “After so many years with Toro Rosso, it’s great to bring a podium to the team.
“The race was crazy and finally I managed to put everything together to get this podium – I’m really happy.
“The race was a horror movie mixed with black comedy. I thought the race was done for me but it came alive again.
“It was a rollercoaster, a bit like my whole career.”
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The result also came the day after Kvyat became a father for the first time on Saturday, and understandably he was eager to get home as soon as possible.
“I’m desperate to go back, but I think I’m on the same flight back as Max tonight..,” he told Sky Sports. “Half a beer only!
“It was an amazing race. It’s all a bit surreal at the moment and I need a bit of time, but I’m so happy, thanks to everyone in the team for an incredible day.”
Toro Rosso chief Franz Tost admitted relief at the result after an earlier gamble had gone wrong.
“I’m delighted for the team, for Honda and also for Kvyat,” he stated.
“He made zero mistakes and always kept us informed about the situation. We called him in and were one of the first to put him on the dry tyres which was not correct from our side.
“Fortunately we were able to correct it immediately and Daniil went back out on the inters and everything worked well until the end when we changed once more to the dry tyres.
“The rest was just a controlled race from his side.”