LANCE Stroll admits becoming the youngest rookie Formula 1 driver to secure a podium finish was beyond his wildest dreams.

The 18-year-old Canadian, in his Grove-based Williams car, finished third in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on Sunday.

It makes him the second youngest driver to secure an F1 top-three finish.

Stroll almost took second place, but he was caught on the line in Baku by the Mercedes of Valtteri Bottas.

But it did not matter to Stroll, who praised his team for their help in getting him across the line.

“It was such a hectic race and so much happened, but the team kept me cool on the radio, the pace was good, we took it to the end and stayed out of trouble,” he said.

“ I can’t quite believe what’s just happened.

“We just lost out to Valtteri at the end there in one of the closest finishes of all time going side-by-side across the finish line.

“Coming into this weekend I never thought I would be standing on the podium. It’s an amazing feeling and, for me, a dream come true.

“However, what happened today was a team effort and I can’t thank everyone enough for making this happen.”

Teammate Felipe Massa, who was forced to retire, also paid tribute to Stroll.

“I’m so happy for him getting his first ever podium in Formula 1,” he said.