Max Verstappen described his Japanese GP as ‘very positive’ as he picked up his sixth podium of the season.
The Dutch driver had a competitive race, finishing in-between the two Mercedes drivers in second place to pick up 18 points.
A good start from third on the grid saw Verstappen take advantage of a poor getaway from Lewis Hamilton, who would recover to finish just behind in third.
The two battled during over the final few laps with Verstappen defending aggressively into the final chicane and thus managing to keep hold off his second place to the chequered flag.
“There was a lot of traffic but luckily we saved the tyres a bit in the last stint,” the teenager said after the race.
“I think in general we had a great strategy, to race against the Mercedes cars I think that’s always very positive, at the end to come home second, big thanks to the team for that.
“Of course Lewis was pushing hard and we had a little moment at the chicane but I’m very happy to finish second.”
Another bonus for Verstappen came as he collected another driver of the day award, his sixth this year and more than any other driver.
The result also moves him level with Sebastian Vettel in the driver’s championship with both drivers on 165 points but Verstappen’s win in Spain means he holds fifth going to Austin.
