Lotus driver Romain Grosjean was delighted but also left emotional after scoring his first podium since the 2013 United States Grand Prix.
The Frenchman enjoyed a strong weekend from the off after qualifying fourth, however, dropped to ninth due to a gearbox change.
Grosjean made his way through the field, overtaking Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez.
In the latter stages of the race, he caught Sebastian Vettel who was on a one-stop strategy. On lap 42, the Ferrari driver suffered a puncture and Grosjean was promoted to third.
“It has been an incredible weekend for us,” Grosjean said. “A great qualifying yesterday, unfortunately, we had that grid penalty, and then a good race.
“I still can’t believe that we are on the podium. The guys have been working hard to give us the car to be able to be here today.”
In 2012, Grosjean received a race ban for causing a major collision on the opening lap, making his podium finish even sweeter for the Frenchman.
“Of course going into turn one, everytime I take a start at Spa, I remember 2012, but I think it made me stronger, and indeed it allowed me to [finish] ten times on the podium,” Grosjean said.
“Being here today is kind of special I think. For us, it is the prize of a race win.”
