Daniel Ricciardo described his eighth place finish at the Italian Grand Prix as ‘like a podium’ following Red Bull’s struggles at the high speed Monza circuit.

The Australian produced a fighting drive from 19th on the grid to finish eighth after a last gasp move on Marcus Ericsson at the last corner of the final lap.

Ricciardo and his Red Bull team encountered a tough weekend after being hit with a 50 place grid penalty for a double engine change prior to Sunday’s race.

Hamstrung by a lack of power compared to his rivals and the grid penalty, Ricciardo was surprised to salvage a points finish.

“To walk away here with an eighth is like a podium for us, the circuit doesn’t suit us at all,” said Ricciardo.

“To charge from the back to get some points I’m really happy with that.

“It was a great result for the team considering where we started and the characteristics of this track.

“It was sweet taking that eighth place on the last lap from Ericsson.

“I am very happy with the chassis, the car was handling really well, and we were able to fight with a Ferrari and a Mercedes-powered car on a track where we lost out a lot on the straights.

“It wasn’t an easy weekend for us, but I think the race was positive and the energy in the team is good.”

Red Bull boss Christian Horner echoed Ricciardo’s thoughts after witnessing both his drivers score points from the back of the grid, with Daniil Kvyat converting his 18th starting berth to a 10th place finish.

“Considering our starting positions for the race, it was a great job from both drivers today,” said Horner.

“Ricciardo’s last lap in particular, to take that place from Ericsson, was impressive.

“The team work and strategy were solid and, given the penalties we faced, getting both cars to finish in the points at this track is a positive result.”