Max Verstappen says he benefited from "perfect" mixed conditions at the Chinese Grand Prix on his way to taking a remarkable podium finish from 16th on the grid.
The Dutchman made up nine places alone on a stunning opening lap and continued to scythe his way through the field, passing the likes of Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen and teammate Daniel Ricciardo to find himself second by lap 11.
Despite an unscheduled pit stop -- having suffered a pair of lock-ups as he lost out on second to Sebastian Vettel -- Verstappen held off Ricciardo's late charge to seal the final spot on the rostrum, which marked Red Bull's 100th podium in Formula One.