Sainz rocketed to his second successive F1 pole as Ferrari regarded set to lock out the entrance row, earlier than Mercedes’ George Russell proved to be an intruder after splitting the pair to shuffle Leclerc down to 3rd.
This follows Sainz and Leclerc’s thrilling battle over third place on the Italian Grand Prix, as Sainz managed to soak up the heavy stress levied upon him by his youthful team-mate to safe a primary rostrum go to of the 12 months.
Requested by Autosport if they might be allowed to battle similarly if a possible win was on the desk, or if they might be content material with staff orders, each drivers conceded that they might be keen to comply with the staff’s directions to solid victory past doubt.
Carlos Sainz, Ferrari SF-23, Charles Leclerc, Ferrari SF-23, within the pit lane
Picture by: Andy Hone / Motorsport Images
Sainz advised {that a} comparable battle can be unlikely anyway on the Marina Bay circuit, owing to its tighter and traction-heavy nature.
“To begin with, I am certain that the traits of the observe isn’t that it permits to have the great battles and nice wheel-to-wheel racing that we had in Monza, which once more was loads of enjoyable and an amazing battle,” Sainz defined.
“This observe could be very, very completely different. And naturally, we will probably be wanting into tomorrow to see every part that we will do to beat the Mercedes to get the vehicles into 1-2.
“I am certain that the staff will prioritise the general staff end result and attempt to get the win.”
Leclerc concurred together with his team-mate however hinted that, if the Ferrari duo was properly forward of the remainder of the sphere, he hoped the staff would permit them to settle it between themselves.
He expects staff orders to come back into play if Ferrari is pressured onto the defensive by one other staff, mentioning Mercedes as they most important challenger.
“I agree [with Sainz]. I believe in Monza it is the observe helps additionally these fights,” stated Leclerc.
“However I imagine the philosophy would be the identical if we’re underneath stress of Mercedes, then I am fairly certain that the positions will probably be fastened.
“If now we have all the opposite vehicles fairly far behind, which I hope will probably be the case, then let’s have a look at what the staff chooses. However on the finish, we’ll comply with no matter now we have been informed.”