Charles Leclerc explains Ferrari team orders: "I will always trust the team"

Charles Leclerc have explained Ferrari's team orders during the Russian Grand Prix, saying that the tactic was for Sebastian Vettel to slipstream behind Leclerc at the start to create a 1-2 into the first braking zone of turn two.

The plan worked, but Vettel was the driver in front, and the team ordered the German to give the place back, something he didn't do.

In the end, Vettel retired with an MGU-K issue and Mercedes took advantage of the subsequent safety car to pit and get out ahead of the Monegasque, with Lewis Hamilton leading Valtteri Bottas in a 1-2 for the Silver Arrows.

Leclerc told Sky Sports after the race: "At least we are quite consistent. It's good to be back on the podium - a shame for the team to not have the second car up here. On our side an OK race, Mercedes are still very quick on the race runs, a lot quicker compared to qualifying.

"I will always trust the team but the tactic was me giving the slipstream to be one-two at the end of the straight, which happened but then I... I don't know. I need to speak to the team to know the situation better."