Daniil Kvyat has revealed that he "pushed like an animal" on his return to the top flight of motor racing. The Toro Rosso driver finished in 10th, claiming some vital points for his team. The midfield battle is set to be extremely tight this year with a number of teams able to claim the position of 'best of the rest.'
Kvyat had a solid race and impressed in his first Formula 1 race since 2017. The Russian seems to have matured and put in a performance which suggests that he has developed as a driver.
"I tried," said Kvyat of the move on Stroll. "It was a late move. I was coming very fast, DRS open, late braking. I locked the inside wheel, and it was very frustrating.
"I thought 'oh, it might be that the race is lost', but then I went on.
"I still had a bit of gap behind. It was hard to stay cool, but then I pushed like an animal for the next few laps and I was on his back again in eight or nine laps."
"One of the most difficult points I've earned, I would say, but very satisfying at the same time because we kept a quicker car behind us a whole race," said Kvyat.
"So it's very encouraging for us as a team. We were catching a lot the teams ahead of us too.
"I tried to overtake, but it proved to be very difficult here. But at least I tried. I wouldn't be happy with myself if I wouldn't."
The Honda engine seems to be very strong in both the Toro Rosso and the Red Bull. They will hope that this continues and that they have a successful season.