Ferrari and Leclerc in full confidence before qualifying, Sainz in training

Sport is resuming its rights in Saudi Arabia. The day after the attack of Houthi rebels on an oil exploitation of Aramco near the Corniche circuit in Jeddah, the teams were able to think back to the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix and the dynamics of the start of the 2022 season.

The balance tips in favor of Ferrari after the first race in Bahrain. Scuderia Team Principal Mattia Binotto explained to the media the atmosphere at Maranello following the double achieved by Charles Leclerc et Carlos Sainz Jr in Sakhir.

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“I was honestly surprised to see all the enthusiasm when I returned to the factory. It’s a big boost for everyone. I brought the trophies back to Maranello myself. I think every employee came to take a photo or a selfie of the cuts!

When you see this, you feel relief and great joy. Over the last two years, we have remained united despite a difficult period. The employees made a lot of effort and remained passionate about the Scuderia. »

The former technical manager of the Team also explained the state of mind of Charles Leclerc, leader before the Saudi Arabian GP. “He is relaxed and rested. I think it's very important. He worked a lot this winter to come back ready this spring. This was evident through his meetings with the engineers at the factory, but it also applies to Carlos. They have the right mentality. »

Mattia Binotto moved on to Carlos Sainz Jr, who had admitted that his Bahrain GP was the worst of his period with the Prancing Horse, yet finished in second place. “He wasn't as fast as Charles this weekend, except maybe in qualifying. He still needs to understand the car and adapt his driving style. He is aware of it. He also knows that there is more to be extracted from the car than what he provided to Sakhir. He has always been honest and transparent about his performance. »

It's a go!# Carlos55 and # Charles16 are leaving the pits on soft tyres 👊#SaudiArabianGP pic.twitter.com/VBYyoRiJVh

- Scuderia Ferrari (@ScuderiaFerrari) March 26, 2022

Proof of their good understanding, the Monegasque and his Spanish colleague debriefed the race before taking the plane to Saudi Arabia. “They talk together to find out their driving sensations and how the car reacts. Jeddah is a new opportunity for Carlos to adapt to his mount. »