Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz have delivered the ultimate victory for any team in Formula 1 with a 1-2 finish at the opening round of the 2022 Formula 1 season in Bahrain. This also marked the 85th 1-2 finish for the team in Formula 1.
Leclerc also reached his first hat trick of his Formula 1 career getting pole position, fastest lap and the race win after engaging in a wheel to wheel battle with Red Bull’s Max Verstappen at various stages of the race swapping positions back and forth, showing that the new regulations have delivered what they promised, overtaking and the ability for cars to follow each other closely.
After the race, Leclerc thanked the team whilst also acknowledging the challenge he had with Verstappen
“Coming into this season, we knew we would be in a better position than we have been for the past two years, but we didn’t know exactly where we would stand. To be back on top with a car that is capable of winning feels incredible. A huge thank you to our whole team, you’ve done an amazing job and this victory is for all of you.“
“The race was tough and I gave it my all. Whenever I had a bit of margin behind me, I felt in control of the race and was managing the gap well. But after the first stop, things became more tricky. Max challenged me three times and I had to position myself in the right way to reclaim my position each time he passed me.
“Once the Safety Car came out, we lost the gap we had created and had to start again from zero. I knew I had to do the best restart possible and I am glad I got the job done well.“
“Car development will be more significant than in previous years and we have to stay on top of our game. As for this weekend – we did everything right. Pole, fastest lap, the victory and second place for our team. Forza Ferrari!”
PHOTO: Ferrari F1 Media
Teammate Sainz however was slightly downbeat about his performance during the race, but also grateful for the 2nd place mentioning the tifosi around the world who have supported them even when they haven’t been on top.
“This is definitely a day to celebrate for the entire team. Starting the season with a 1-2 is the perfect reward for the tireless work they have done over the last two years and congrats to Charles on a solid win.“
“We also want to share our joy with all our tifosi around the world because we always felt their support even when we were not fighting at the top.“
“For me, I’m very happy with the result but I’m not particularly happy with my race. It was probably one of the hardest ones since I joined Ferrari. I wasn’t feeling at home with the car and we need to understand why. But today it’s time to celebrate this amazing result all together. The great effort to bring Ferrari back to the top, where it belongs, has paid off today and everyone deserves to enjoy it. We’ll keep pushing next week in Saudi. Forza Ferrari!”
PHOTO: Ferrari F1 Media
Team Principal and Managing Director Mattia Binotto soaked in the moment heading up to the podium to collect the Constructors’ trophy as he felt it best represented the whole team, rather than an individual area of the team as is usually represented on the podiums.
“I am very happy with this result, as our race today shows how well this team has worked over the past two years in Maranello. Personally, I have always had faith in them. They have worked as a united group and reacted to the difficulties we encountered. It’s nice to see we are once again battling for first place, which is our goal for this season.“
“To win in Formula 1, you have to do everything perfectly and today we did just that and that goes for everyone, the drivers, the F1-75, the engineers with the strategy and the mechanics, who were impeccable at the pit stops. Seeing the way the team was able to make the most of every opportunity fills me with pride.“
“Tonight, I wanted to go up on the podium to collect the Constructors’ trophy because I felt it was the best way to represent the whole team, back home and here in Bahrain. I have to admit it was an emotional moment. I am also thinking of the fans who have always supported us, even when things were a bit tricky and I admit I can’t wait to get to Imola to race in front of them.”
PHOTO: Ferrari F1 Media
The team celebrated into the night in Bahrain but will be back on track this coming Friday when the Formula 1 circus rolls into the Jeddah Corniche circuit for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
