MORE: Daniel Ricciardo wins Hungarian F1 Grand Prix | Hungarian GP Photos
The Red Bull man produced a superb drive at the Hungaroring, overtaking Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton and then Ferrari's Fernando Alonso in the final stages of an enthralling race.
Ricciardo's triumph was his second of the season after the Canadian Grand Prix last month, and his podium-topping performance left him 71 points shy of standings leader Nico Rosberg, who finished fourth.
Despite the large gap to the Mercedes driver, Ricciardo heads into the mid-season break in high spirits, with double points on offer for the final race of the campaign in Abu Dhabi.
"I am aware that today I closed the gap, but there is still a long way to go," he told Sky Sports News.
"Everyone is saying how weird this Abu Dhabi points system is, but I might keep it close to me and it might work out - we'll see."
Red Bull boss Christian Horner was full of praise for his driver, with Sunday's race only the second this season not to be won by Mercedes.
"Unbelievable - how he made that work was incredible," said Horner.
"He managed to get in at that first stop which was crucial and then he just got his head down - that middle stint after the safety car is where he did the damage.
"It was an incredible drive from Daniel and I can't say anything high enough for him."