MANAMA (Reuters) – Ferrari ended a 45-race winless streak on Sunday to begin Formula One’s new period with a flourish and a one-two end in Bahrain that despatched the sport’s oldest and most glamorous group back to the top.
Charles Leclerc’s pole to flag victory, with quickest lap, was a primary for the Maranello group since Singapore 2019 when 4 occasions world champion Sebastian Vettel led Leclerc in a one-two.
“Mamma Mia!” exclaimed the Monaco driver after crossing the line to set off wild celebrations and the sound of the Italian anthem.
While Leclerc turned the first from the Mediterranean principality to guide the championship, Spanish group mate Carlos Sainz made certain the group secured most factors from the night.
“Ferrari is back and it’s properly back, with a one-two and the place the group ought to have been the final two years,” stated Sainz, who handed world champion Max Verstappen’s stricken Red Bull earlier than it retired.
“The onerous work is paying off and we are there.”
Ferrari haven’t received a title since 2008 and slumped to a 40-year low of sixth general in 2020 earlier than shifting back as much as third final season.
“An enormous, large congratulation to Ferrari,” stated Mercedes’ seven occasions world champion Lewis Hamilton, who joined the pair on the podium.
“So comfortable to see them doing effectively once more. They are such an historic, epic group. It’s nice to see Carlos and Charles up there as effectively.”
A delighted Leclerc, who was additionally voted ‘Driver of the Day’ by followers, stated the group couldn’t have hoped for a greater day.
“The final two years have been extremely tough for the group and we all know this was going to be an enormous alternative,” he stated after his third profession win.
“Now it is beginning in the greatest approach doable… we could not hope for higher. It’s unimaginable to be back at the top.”
Team boss Mattia Binotto stated the one-two was a aid, and an enormous enhance, but additionally an sudden end result on a day that led to a nightmare for Red Bull with Sergio Perez additionally failing to see the chequered flag.
Verstappen had challenged Leclerc for the lead whereas Perez was heading for the podium earlier than mechanical points sidelined each.
Binotto — in a single of the hottest of sizzling seats in world sport — stated the closing levels of the race, with a security automotive deployment 10 laps from the finish, had virtually given him a coronary heart assault on the pit wall.
(Reporting by Alan Baldwin in London, enhancing by Toby Davis)
