Charles Leclerc says Ferrari could not have hoped for a better start to the season after he led a one-two in the Bahrain Grand Prix.
Leclerc claimed maximum points as the Scuderia secured their first victory since the 2019 season.
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The Monegasque driver took the chequered flag ahead of team-mate Carlos Sainz at the Bahrain International Circuit on Sunday, with Lewis Hamilton finishing third in a miserable start to the campaign for Red Bull.
Defending champion Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez retired late in the race in Sakhir on a dream day for Leclerc.
"[I am] so happy," he said. "The last two years have been incredibly difficult for the team. We knew it would be a big opportunity for us and the guys have done such an incredible job in building this amazing car.
"Starting in the best way possible; pole position, victory, the fastest lap, one-two with Carlos - we couldn't have hoped for any better.
"I was trying to be as clever as possible, brake early in Turn One and twice, it worked out. I took back my first position, and I am incredibly happy to make it work."
Career win #3 for Charles Leclerc #BahrainGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/no47rHfAuU
— Formula 1 (@F1) March 20, 2022
Sainz was also elated to see Ferrari back in business.
"First, congrats Charles and Ferrari," he added. "Ferrari are properly back with a one-two, where the team should be. The hard work is paying off, and we are there.
"For me, it's been a very tricky weekend - I'm not going to lie. I didn’t have the pace today, but I managed to hold it and bring the one-two for the team.
"I have some homework to do over the next few days, and I'm sure I'll come back stronger."
