Binotto "relief" after "magic" Ferrari Bahrain one-two

Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto has expressed his "relief" that the Scuderia was able to back up its impressive pre-season pace with a stunning one-two to open the F1 season.

Charles Leclerc led team-mate Carlos Sainz home at the Bahrain Grand Prix to secure a maximum points haul for Ferrari.

The team had last tasted success in 2019 with Sebastian Vettel leading Leclerc to a one-two in Singapore.

“It is certainly a relief but more than that I think it is happiness because at the end it is great to be back, it is great to fight for the best," Binotto told the F1 Nation podcast.

"Our competitors are very, very strong but we got the edge and to have somehow a one-two, it is incredible to start the season like that.

“We know it will be difficult for the rest of the season but for a while, let’s drink up the moment and try to enjoy.”

Ferrari had been staring at a double podium result before Max Verstappen retired from second with just three laps remaining.

This exit elevated Sainz from third with Lewis Hamilton joining the pair after Sergio Perez also retired in the second Red Bull.

“It is incredible, I am very happy," added Binotto.

"I think we were not hoping for or expecting it but it is a great result for the team and I think that the team has worked very hard to get there. It is more than two years [since the last win], it has been a very difficult situation but we remain united and we try to improve ourselves in all areas and what we had was a great race.

“I think we have been good in all the aspects. The car was great, the drivers were fantastic, the pit stops…magic.”

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