Ferrari's Mattia Binotto has been left with mixed emotions following a day of highs and lows for the team at the Australian Grand Prix. It was a very smooth Sunday for Charles Leclerc, who took his second win of the season in dominant style. The Monegasque's closest challenger, Max Verstappen, retired with a mechanical issue on Lap 39 of 58, allowing Leclerc a straightforward drive to the finish. Teammate Carlos Sainz had a day to forget, though. After bad luck in qualifying left him down in P9 on the grid, the Spaniard had a difficult start and lost several places in the opening laps. He then struggled to get the Hard tyres on his car working and, on Lap 3, spun off the track going into Turn 10. With the F1-75 beached in the gravel, Sainz was immediately out of the running.
Binotto: "Great satisfaction" in Leclerc's win
For Leclerc, his victory at Albert Park extends his lead at the top of the World Championship standings. Whilst there is still a long way to go in the season, Binotto is happy to celebrate his driver's achievement this weekend. "Today was great," the team boss told Sky Sports F1 . "I think today [has been] a great satisfaction, but we know that each single race can be different. But at least, let's enjoy [it] for today. "I think [there was good] teamwork, [with the] set-up, drivers, all good. The start of the weekend was not easy, the set-up of the car was not balanced. "Charles had to get up to speed, but I think [he] worked well through the weekend. He made the pole, the fastest lap in the race, and [took] a fantastic win."
Sainz will bounce back, says Binotto
On the other side of the garage, Sainz was left feeling frustrated after a challenging day. "He's certainly pretty disappointed today," Binotto explained. "I think we understand his disappointment. I think it was important for him to prove that he was fast again coming here [to] Australia, but he has been very fast on Friday, fast on Saturday morning. "He could have done a good qualy, and then there were circumstances where he has been maybe a bit unlucky. And then when you lose, let me say, concentration or focus, [with] P9 on the grid, [and a] problem with the steering wheel on the grid, and starting on Hard tyres. "These are things that should not happen, but they happen." Binotto expects Sainz to bounce back in time for the next race of the season, the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. "I know Carlos, he will come back," the Italian added. "I'm pretty sure he will come back very strong, and [I am] just looking forward to Imola to see his pace and his speed."
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