French Grand Prix

Leclerc hails Sainz's aid after overcoming Verstappen pole charge

Leclerc took pole position from Verstappen at Paul Ricard

Sam Hall

Saturday 23 July 2022 17:25

Charles Leclerc has heaped praise on the "amazing teamwork" displayed by Carlos Sainz after securing pole position for the French Grand Prix.

The Monégasque set a blistering lap of a one minute 30.872secs to deny title-rival Max Verstappen by 0.340s.

But with Sainz the recipient of a back-of-the-grid penalty for taking fresh power unit components beyond the prescribed limit for the season, Ferrari used the Spaniard to provide a vital tow to his team-mate in Q3.

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The strategy negated the effect of Red Bull's low-downforce set-up that had seen Verstappen much faster in the middle sector at Paul Ricard.

"I have struggled all weekend to put a lap together and I managed to do it, but I have to say that I had the help also of Carlos," said Leclerc.

"That was amazing teamwork because without Carlos it would have been much closer.

"So huge thanks to Carlos and I hope that he can join us back in the fight for the win."

Red Bull pace "difficult to understand"

Red Bull struggled to match the pace of Ferrari on Friday but came back swinging in final practice with Verstappen dominant.

"After Q1 I was very surprised by the pace we had," added Leclerc.

"Also in Q2 we were very strong so somehow we managed to turn that around for qualifying but it is a good surprise.

"It feels good but again, it is difficult to understand what the Red Bull guys have done because there was lots of difference in terms of lap times so let's see how it goes."