Binotto relieved: 'A one-two was unexpected'

Ferrari got off to an extraordinary start in the new season. Where Charles Leclerc crossed the finish line as the first driver, Carlos Sainz took second place. Mattia Binotto could therefore do nothing but be satisfied after the race.

Max Verstappen failed to match Leclerc's time during Saturday afternoon's qualifying session, leaving him to try to win the race from second position. The Dutchman made several attempts to overtake his rival, but ultimately failed.

The Red Bull driver did not even gain any points for his team at all. In fact, he lost power at the end of the race and therefore had to retire early. As a result, Sainz suddenly found himself driving in second place and he held that position for the rest of the GP.

"It's a relief. A one-two was unexpected," Binotto revealed afterwards. "I expected Red Bull to be even stronger. I think during the race they might have had a problem with the braking system. But for sure, the first stint was fast. He kept up with Charles' times on new tires with used tires. I was worried then, but in the end we drove a good race."