Charles Leclerc pole the first of many

Mattia Binotto says Charles Leclerc’s pole position at the Bahrain Grand Prix will be the first of many, but immediately turned attention to the race as Ferrari look to convert weekend-long dominance into victory for a third year on the spin in Sakhir.

Charles Leclerc and Sebastian Vettel had traded dominance through practice, but the Monegasque turned things up in qualifying – topping all three sessions before besting his team-mate’s lap record from a year ago to secure a maiden qualifying triumph.

He is Ferrari’s youngest F1 polesitter, and the second youngest in F1 history, with binotto outlining the team’s delight to see their young star secure early success.

“I’m very happy for Ferrari, for Charles as well, the first pole is important,” he added.

“I think the pace was good but it was very tough, we knew that it will be tough today with Mercedes, they are just behind us so I think the race tomorrow will be very difficult.

“I’m happy, happy for today certainly, happy after Australia, we’ve been focusing on ourselves. We worked hard, we understand the issues. I think the result of today certainly will give us confidence.

“He’s a good kid, and being a good kid I think we all love him but as well we love Sebastian, so I think it’s great for the team, it’s great for him, and it won’t be his last one.”

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Ferrari have been back on the kind of pace expected from them after a strong pre-season, having faltered in Australia, and Binotto is taking nothing for granted.

“I think we need to be focus be on ourselves. It will be a very difficult race,” he said.

“We must be concentrated as it’s still a very long way to the chequered flag so I think the result of today is good but it’s not giving any points.

“I will not go into details [on what was changed]. I think what has been important is that the team has been very united, concentrated, we worked together, so it’s all of the team, I’m very happy it’s a good team, it’s a great team, thanks to them.”