Leclerc calls on Sainz for helping hand to defend from Verstappen

Leclerc, Ferrari, Spain, 2022 — Photo: © LAT Images

Spanish Grand Prix

Leclerc calls on Sainz for helping hand to defend from Verstappen

Ferrari start first and third

Ewan Gale

Saturday 21 May 2022 17:25

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Charles Leclerc is hopeful Ferrari can work as a team to fend off Max Verstappen at the Spanish Grand Prix.

The championship leader set a blistering pace on his final run of Q3 to clinch the fastest time from rival Verstappen after putting himself under pressure following a spin at the final chicane on his first attempt.

Leclerc's lap cemented his fourth pole position of the year and with Sainz directly behind him on the grid in third, he was asked if he could be given a helping hand during the race.

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"I really hope so," replied Leclerc. "I hope we can do a one-two together with Carlos. It would be great for the team. We will give it our all."

Addressing his qualifying, the Monégasque said: "It was a very, very difficult session.

"Especially in Q3 because I did a mistake in the first run of Q3 and then obviously then I only had one lap. I had a bit of a moment on my lap but in the end, I made it stick and very, very happy with pole position.

"It was a very good lap and the car was amazing too, so very happy."

On Ferrari's tyre degradation issues, Leclerc added: "We are in a strong position to start the race but we have been struggling with tyres in the last few races compared to Red Bull.

"Max is just behind and if we don't manage these tyres well, we will lose that win so we need to get on top of it and do a good job tomorrow with tyre management."

Verstappen explains loss of power

Reigning champion Verstappen was unable to contest Leclerc's improvement after suffering a loss of power on his final lap of the session, the latest in a line of Red Bull fragilities.

Asked if he would have been able to challenge his rival for pole, Verstappen explained: "It is always difficult to tell but I couldn't do my final run. I just lost power.

"It is a bit of a shame but to be on the front row for us, here, looking at the whole weekend so far I think was a good achievement. Of course, I would have liked to have had a go on the final run."

On his race prospects, the Dutchman said: "The last few races, we have seemed decent on the tyres.

"Tomorrow will be very hot, very warm. This track will be very tough to pass but we will see. Hopefully, our car will again be a bit kinder on the tyres but difficult to tell at the moment."