Kaltenborn 'aged 100 years' in Brazilian GP

Going into the race at Interlagos Sauber sat outside the lucrative top 10 in the constructors' standings for the first time in its history, and was yet to score a point in 2016.

But from a chaotic, rain-hit grand prix Felipe Nasr finished ninth in his home race to claim two points to elevate Sauber above Manor in the standings with only the season-ending race in Abu Dhabi to come.

"It was very tense because you never knew what was going to happen, and we didn't want to be involved in anything," said Kaltenborn.

"For us it was about hanging in there, and if anything came, that we were in the race.

"Manor was taking that kind of approach as well, they were not far behind us [with Esteban Ocon], so there was pressure from all these sides.

"You feel like you aged 100 years in this kind of race, but what was important, and what happened, is we just focused on the race, let the others do what they had to, and to not get away from our concept."

Sauber's precarious financial situation earlier this year resulted in very little car development work taking place prior to its takeover by Longbow Finance in late July.

Progress has since been slow, and ahead of last weekend's race it still appeared unlikely the team would be able to get back into the top 10.

Kaltenborn added: "It's a fantastic feeling.

"We've been seeing things improving since the new owners have come in, we've been getting good people, the performance improving step by step.

"We couldn't do miracles, but this is like a miracle, and we want to enjoy the moment.

"It shows the momentum is there and we'll be back next year."