Kevin Magnussen became the first Danish driver to stand on a Formula One podium after crossing the line in third place today. It was the drive of a man many years and seasons his senior, a performance which arguably eclipses that of Lewis Hamilton on his debut given the restrictions now placed on testing.

"What happened today just feels surreal," said the 21-year-old. "Being on the podium in the first race of my Formula 1 career - it's amazing."

His one mistake, a heavy right foot off the line, almost ended his day in the wall at the start as his car slewed wildly sideways. But from there on it was plain sailing, and though at times he looked like he may threaten Daniel Ricciardo on track he was ultimately forced to follow the local favourite home to cross the line third.

"I think me and Dan had pretty similar pace," he admitted. "You can do stuff with the engine to try and push for a few laps and then you have to back off because you have to harvest the energy again.

"I guess it makes it exciting form the outside because it creates opportunities for overtaking but it wasn-t enough today. I didn-t have enough pace to get past Dan."

"I have to say I'm amazed," admitted McLaren-s Sporting Director Eric Boullier. "He handled the pressure very nicely this weekend. For sure it was not an easy weekend with a lot of weather changing conditions and different play and safety car and everything. He drove like a mature driver, an experienced driver," Boullier added. "He never put a foot wrong."

The Dane-s fortunes improved post-race by being promoted to second spot following the exclusion of Ricciardo. It also moved teammate Jenson Button to third, thereby handing McLaren a double podium finish.

The team is coming off a difficult season," admitted Magnussen. "It-s tough for them.

"I know the team is massively motivated to stay on top and they are a team that should be at the top."

McLaren currently leads the Constructors- Championship, though as Boullier warned "the target is also to lead the championship after the last race."

Check out our race gallery, here.

Mat Coch