Scuderia Ferrari drivers Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz began the last round of the 2022 Formula 1 campaign, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, from third and fourth place respectively at the Yas Marina circuit.
However, the main focus was on Charles Leclerc’s target to defeat Red Bull’s Sergio Perez, who started the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix from P2, and therefore secure second place in the 2022 Formula 1 Drivers’ Standings, behind Max Verstappen.
Despite the events which took place in the Brazilian Grand Prix, when the Dutchman refused to help his teammate by directly disobeying team orders from the Austrian side, Red Bull confirmed ahead of the last race that Sergio Perez would have the full backing of his teammate Max Verstappen in Abu Dhabi. This time the world champion did in fact help the Mexican, at least in qualifying, where he gave a tow to the other RB18 car, which secured a front row start for Red Bull.
Scuderia Ferrari also had their plans to give full support to Charles Leclerc with the goal of taking P2 in the Drivers’ championship and Carlos Sainz was of course happy to help his Maranello teammate. In an interview for Motorsport Spain, Carlos Sainz confirmed that he expressed his support for his teammate ahead of the race and that he would not to try to fight with him at any stage of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix:
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“I think we have worked as a team. I had clear and strict instructions from before the race that I couldn’t fight him at the start or at the pit stops. He’s driven very well and I had to adapt and change my driving a bit to try and get closer to him. We executed a good weekend in that sense and I am happy for him, honestly, because I really think he deserves that P2. Congratulations, because he has had a great season, especially for his driving, so yes, I think he deserved to win that second position from Checo.” – the Spanish driver explained.
Despite a more difficult first half of the 2022 Formula 1 season, when he struggled to understand his F1-75 car and had to adapt his driving style, Carlos Sainz had a strong second part of the year, proving able to bounce back. The Spaniard took his first career pole position at the Silverstone circuit and went on to secure his maiden Formula 1 victory.
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