Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc acknowledged that he had enjoyed the perfect start to the new Formula 1 season with victory in the Bahrain Grand Prix.
Leclerc, who started on pole, traded positions with world champion Max Verstappen before eventually establishing a lead, as well as witnessing the Red Bull driver retire during the closing stages.
That also enabled teammate Carlos Sainz Jnr to seal a Ferrari one-two, and Leclerc could not hide his delight after getting over the line for just the third F1 win of his career, his first since 2019.
Speaking after the race, Leclerc said: "Yes, so happy. The last two years have been incredibly difficult for the team. We knew it would be a big opportunity for us and the guys have done such an incredible job in building this amazing car.
"Starting in best way possible. Pole position, victory, fastest lap, one two with Carlos, we couldn't have hoped for any better.
"I was trying to be as clever as possible, brake early in Turn One and twice it worked out. I took back my first position and I am incredibly happy to make it work."
Lewis Hamilton claimed third in the Mercedes, benefitting from Verstappen and Sergio Perez's retirement.
