Daniil Kvyat shrugged and smiled Sunday when he claimed the best result by a Russian driver in Formula One history.
The 21-year-old Red Bull racer finished second behind triumphant German Sebastian Vettel in the Hungarian Grand Prix, and ahead of his team-mate Australian Daniel Ricciardo, who won the race last year.
His finish enabled him to better the previous best Russian result secured by Vitaly Petrov, who came home third for Renault at the 2011 Australian Grand Prix.
“It’s hard for me to describe what I feel today,” said Kvyat. “Today I learned never to give up whatever happens…
“Others were fighting around me and I found myself in second. I think Daniel had a better shot at victory than I did and he did the right thing to go for it.
“This weekend, I have been able to take every opportunity, and that’s why I’m here now.”
Ricciardo fought hard for his podium finish and survived collisions with both Mercedes drivers.
“It really was a good race,” said the beaming Australian.
“I came into it knowing the whole week has been so up and down for everyone.
“Once we got over the emotional side of what’s happened, I put it behind me and I think Jules (Bianchi) and his family would have wanted to see a fascinating race – all of us drivers putting everything on the line. We all share that passion.
“I definitely did that today. I left a heavy heart out on the track, I made some moves and took risks, and put it all on the line.
“I definitely have no regrets about the outcome. I’m really proud of my approach to the race and how the whole weekend went.
“It was definitely dedicated to Jules and his family, but also a part of that is for the team. It’s been a long time coming.”
Ricciardo banged wheels with the Williams of Finn Valtteri Bottas at the first corner, but his car was undamaged until his collision with defending world champion Briton Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes.
He needed a new front wing when he collided with German Nico Rosberg’s car in the closing laps.
“I guess it ruined both of our chances of a win,” he said. “Again, I don’t regret going for that move. It was my only chance of victory.
“I thought the move was clean, but I guess he thought he had more room on the exit, and that was it.”