Leclerc ‘happy to help Carlos but let’s wait and see’

Michelle Foster
Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz speaking on the track after qualifying. Silverstone July 2022

Charles Leclerc and Ferrari drivers Carlos Sainz speaking on the track after qualifying. Silverstone July 2022

Charles Leclerc says if it comes to it he is “happy to help” his team-mate Carlos Sainz secure his first F1 race win at the British Grand Prix.

But ideally the best result would a Ferrari 1-2, whichever way around.

Sainz will line up on pole position at the Silverstone circuit, the Spaniard securing his first qualifying P1 ahead of Max Verstappen and his team-mate Leclerc.

He’s dreaming of an inaugural grand prix win, the 27-year-old yet to take to the top step of the podium in 149 starts.

And while Leclerc says he’s “happy to help” if it comes to that, he acknowledges he also wants the P1 come Sunday’s race.

“Of course, I will be very happy if Carlos wins the race,” said Leclerc, “but I’m not going to hide that I want to win too.

“But I think what is most important is that we finish 1-2, whatever way around it is, and if we can play strategic moves in between the cars, I’m pretty sure that we will.

“So, let’s see how it goes. But again, I feel confident with the car. So let’s wait and see.”

Sainz agrees.

“Yeah, I think we will work as a team like we’ve done all season,” he said. “And I’m pretty sure that between Charles and me we can put a good battle with Max, and obviously not forgetting about Checo that will be also attacking. They were very quick in FP3, both Red Bulls.

“So I think if we can work like we worked all year, we can achieve a one-two. That is the main target.”

Leclerc was in the fight for pole position before a mistake on his final hot lap in the rain pitched him into a spin.

He is hoping to make amends on Sunday.

“I think the pace is there, so if we have a clean race then everything should go well,” he said. “A good start and then obviously tyre management will be a thing too.

“I think the strategy is a bit mixed between one and two stops. So it will be interesting to see whoever is going for the one stop or the two stops. But hopefully we’ll make the right choice and we can come back to where we want to be.””