Charles Leclerc reacts after winning 2022 F1 ‘incredible’ season opener

 Charles Leclerc expressed his delight at being back in a car that was capable of winning after he secured Ferrari their first win the season at the Bahrain Grand Prix

The 24-year-old emerged victorious at the season-opener to secure Ferrari their first win.

Speaking after the race on Sunday, Leclerc said: ‘Coming into this season, we knew we would be in a better position than we have been for the past two years, but we didn’t know exactly where we would stand.

‘To be back on top with a car that is capable of winning feels incredible. A huge thank you to our whole team, you’ve done an amazing job and this victory is for all of you.

‘The race was tough and I gave it my all. Whenever I had a bit of margin behind me, I felt in control of the race and was managing the gap well. But after the first stop, things became more tricky.’

Max Verstappen was forced into a ‘brutal’ double retirement at the Bahrain Grand Prix

Lewis Hamilton snatched a place on the podium in the final lap of the Bahrain Grand Prix

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Leclerc – who went toe to toe with Verstappen for much of the first race of the year – went on to explain how the Dutch driver had ‘challenged’ him.

The 24-year-old said: ‘Max challenged me three times and I had to position myself in the right way to reclaim my position each time he passed me.

‘Once the Safety Car came out, we lost the gap we had created and had to start again from zero. I knew I had to do the best restart possible and I am glad I got the job done well. Car development will be more significant than in previous years and we have to stay on top of our game.

‘As for this weekend – we did everything right. Pole, fastest lap, the victory and second place for our team. Forza Ferrari!’.

Meanwhile, Sainz Jr was eager to thank the Ferrari team for the ‘tireless work’ they had put in over the last two years.

The F1 driver said: ‘This is definitely a day to celebrate for the entire team. Starting the season with a 1-2 is the perfect reward for the tireless work they have done over the last two years and congrats to Charles on a solid win.

‘We also want to share our joy with all our Tifosi around the world because we always felt their support even when we were not fighting at the top.

‘For me, I’m very happy with the result but I’m not particularly happy with my race. It was probably one of the hardest ones since I joined Ferrari.

‘I wasn’t feeling at home with the car and we need to understand why. But today it’s time to celebrate this amazing result altogether.

‘The great effort to bring Ferrari back to the top, where it belongs, has paid off today and everyone deserves to enjoy it. We’ll keep pushing next week in Saudi. Forza Ferrari!’