David Coulthard revelled in the glory of an unexpected podium finish on Sunday after battling to third place in the Canadian Grand Prix.

The veteran Scottish Red Bull driver started from 13th on the grid but executed his one-stop race strategy to perfection, allowing him to capitalise when leader Lewis Hamilton shunted his McLaren into the back of second-placed Kimi Raikkonen's Ferrari.

Crossing the finish line was a sweet moment for 37-year-old Coulthard who has been consistently overshadowed by his Australian team-mate Mark Webber so far this season.

Speaking in the post-race press conference, Coulthard said: "I am delighted because I never expected to get a podium this weekend. I have had a horrible start to the year. It's a real credit to Red Bull Racing for the efforts they are putting in.

"It is my 62nd podium and I am as delighted to be there today as I was in 1994. Canada was where I scored my first points so I am in a reflective mood. Fifteen seasons seems a long time, especially after such an ugly start to the season."

Coulthard certainly earned his first points of the campaign. He was forced to tiptoe through the last part of the race as the condition of his car steadily deteriorated.

The Red Bull car almost slipped off the track as Coulthard closed in on the finish line, but he managed to hold on and claim six precious championship points.

"You cannot believe how difficult it was at the end," Coulthard reflected. "I just had to bring the car home. Funny enough the car stopped in the pitlane so I'm glad it did it after the chequered flag."

AFP