“Incredible teamwork”, Leclerc welcomes Sainz’s helping hand

With a Carlos Sainz condemned in advance to the back of the grid this Sunday, Ferrari decided to play it strategic when qualifying for the French Grand Prix this Saturday. The goal ? Put Charles Leclerc in the best conditions for him to go and get a 7^e pole position this season.

After Q1 and Q2 largely controlled by the men from Maranello, the Scuderia was able to implement its collective strategy in Q3 to overcome the Red Bull. Out of the race for pole position, Carlos Sainz played the good Samaritan, giving Charles Leclerc two slips on his flying laps. If the first application only offered an 8 thousandths lead over Max Verstappen to the Monegasque, the second worked very well.

Aspirated by Carlos Sainz in the 2^e part of the Mistral straight and in the Signes bend, Charles Leclerc left no chance for the Dutchman who was 3 tenths slower under the checkerboard. He then did not forget to thank his teammate during his deceleration lap with a “ big charles » heard on his radio.

Charles Leclerc takes pole thanks to the help of Carlos Sainz! 🔝

🚀 The Monegasque achieves a magnificent time, putting 3 tenths on Max Verstappen and 4 tenths on Sergio Perez #FrenchGP 🇫🇷 | ▶️ https://t.co/t7uFs3yVeh pic.twitter.com/H78A4VE9mF

— CANAL+ F1® (@CanalplusF1) July 23, 2022

« It was an awesome ride, enjoyed the main interested party after the 16^e pole position of his career. I struggled all weekend to put everything together to achieve a good lap. This time I was able to do it. It must be said that I was helped a lot by Carlos, he gave me exceptional aspiration. It was incredible teamwork. Without Carlos, the result would have been much closer. Thanks to him and I hope he can come back tomorrow (Sunday) to join me in the battle for victory.

After Q1, I was very surprised by the pace we had. Even in Q2 we were very strong. Somehow we managed to take advantage of this for the last part of qualifying. It's a nice surprise."

This Sunday, Charles Leclerc will have to do without Carlos Sainz penalized and sent to the back of the peloton. Behind him, the Monegasque will have the Red Bulls and the game does not look easy as the Austrian cars are fast in a straight line. Despite all these elements against him, the Scuderia driver wants to be confident.

« I feel good with the carHe says. However, it is difficult to understand what Red Bull did yesterday (Friday) because there was a big difference in lap times. We'll see how it goes tomorrow (Sunday). » Charles Leclerc will have to fight to keep his property this Sunday but one thing is certain, he is ready for the fight.

ALSO READ > Leclerc back in pole position thanks to the collective work of Ferrari