Motorsports
Formula 1 Bahrain GP: Leclerc knew this was Ferrari’s chance to return to the top
For the first time since 2008, Scuderia showed they are genuine title contenders with a triumphant 2-1 draw by Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainth at the Bahrain Grand Prix, and both drivers spoke openly about it after Shakir’s race ended.
Scuderia had won their last and final one-two at the Singapore GP in 2019 with Sebastian Vettel and Charles Leclerc, but at no point that year had they proven they had a truly and consistently competitive car to compete with. The last time you had it was in 2008 with Felipe Massa and Kimi Raikkonen.
Those dry fifteen years ended today with the 2-1 draw at the Bahrain GP – early 2022 – which confirmed the winter’s reasonable suspicions: that Ferrari was once again becoming the protagonist and contender for the titles.
«I keep thinking about how lucky I am, but the last two years have been incredibly difficult for the team and we knew this would be a great opportunity for us.Said Leclerc at the finish. «The kids have done a great job creating an amazing car to give us the best possible start».
Multi position, win, faster lap, 1-2 in match with Carlos. We couldn’t have asked for better, so thank you for your support over the past two years. “It wasn’t easy but it’s amazing that we’re back at the top,” added Monegasque.
On resuming the race after the safety car that gave Ferstappen another unexpected chance to win, Leclerc concluded: “I didn’t need the safety car then, but then I did a great restart and that made a small difference for me to get through the race to the end.”
For his part, Carlos Saint emphasized: “Congratulations to Charles, congratulations to Ferrari. THE Ferrari returned and returned normally. Hard work pays off and we are here now. I didn’t have the rhythm today that I would like, but I managed to stay up and bring one or two for the team.
And for his duel with Ferstappen, which he overtook three laps before the end and a few seconds before the Dutchman’s departure, the Spaniard added: “I had a huge chance at the restart because everything went well for me. [Ο Φερστάπεν] well defended to be honest. And then all of a sudden I started seeing some lights flashing in the back of his car. And I thought this was my chance and I attacked. He was unlucky. I think he rode well enough today to deserve second place, but then he had to retire. So it is, and it turned out well for her Ferrari».
Sophia Jhon is a sports journalist and author. He has worked as a news editor for Sportish and is now a sport columnist for the same publication. Alberta’s professional interests lie largely in sports news, with an emphasis on English football. He has also written articles on other sporting topics.