Leclerc Bahrain relief after 'incredibly difficult two years for Ferrari'

Charles Leclerc has expressed his relief after ending an "incredibly difficult" two-year spell for Ferrari with victory in the Bahrain Grand Prix.

Ferrari scored a one-two finish in the opening race of the 2022 F1 season with Leclerc leading home team-mate Carlos Sainz.

After taking the third win of his F1 career, Leclerc paid tribute to the entire Ferrari team.

"The last two years have been incredibly difficult for the team and we knew this was going to be a big opportunity for the team and the guys have done such an incredible job building this amazing car," said Leclerc.

"For now, we’re starting in the best way possible with pole position, victory, fastest lap and a 1-2 today with Carlos [Sainz]. We couldn't hope for better.

"Thank you to all the guys that kept supporting us in the last two years, it hasn't been easy but it's incredible to be back at the top."

After completing his first pit stop, Leclerc went toe to toe with reigning world champion Max Verstappen with the two passing and repassing each other on consecutive laps.

"I was trying to be as clever as possible [with the DRS]," explained Leclerc.

"Using the DRS as much as possible so I was trying to brake early in turn one just to be behind him at the DRS detection and twice it worked out.

"I took back my first position and I'm just incredibly happy that we made it work."

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