Ferrari "properly back" after one-two in Bahrain - Sainz

Carlos Sainz has claimed Ferrari is "properly back" after the team scored a one-two result at the F1 season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix.

Sainz had been set to finish the race third as team-mate Charles Leclerc took the victory, but Max Verstappen's late retirement elevated the Spaniard to the second step on the podium.

"First of all, congrats to Charles and congrats to Ferrari - Ferrari is properly back!" said Sainz.

"We got a one-two and the team is where it should have been over the last three years. The hard work is paying off and we are there.

"For me, it's been a very tricky weekend, I'm not going to lie. I didn’t have the pace today but I managed to hold it together and bring the one-two for the team.

"I have some homework to do over the next few days and I’m sure I’ll come back stronger."

Verstappen had reported a steering problem with his Red Bull in the laps immediately before the safety car with the problem worsening during the period.

Explaining his awareness of the Dutchman's struggles, Sainz added: "At the restart, I had a strong chance because I had a better restart than Max. He defended well, to be fair.

"Suddenly I started to see some flashing red lights on the back of his car and I said 'ok, this is my chance' and I went for it.

"He was unfortunate, he was driving well enough to get P2 but I had a good run on him and he had to retire. It is what it is and it’s good for Ferrari."

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