Red Bull’s Max Verstappen has been named Driver of the Day by fans for the Chinese Grand Prix after coming from 16th to third.
The Dutchman suffered a tough qualifying with a misfiring engine and dropped out in Q1, eventually starting 16th due to numerous drivers getting grid penalties.
In slippery conditions, Verstappen made up a lot of ground early on, placing seventh after the opening lap of the race.
He then rallied to move up the order, battling with the Ferraris and his team-mate Daniel Ricciardo.
Having held off Sebastian Vettel for a little while, a lock-up let the Ferrari through and sparked an earlier second stop for Verstappen.
However, he bounced back to finish third, just holding off Ricciardo at the chequered flag to claim the final podium spot.
It’s his first time this season winning Driver of the Day, which is voted for by the fans from mid-way through the race.
Vettel won the award for the season-opener in Australia.
DRIVER OF THE DAY:
Australia – Vettel
China – Verstappen