Leclerc addresses Sainz Ferrari 'risk': 'I have no doubt'

Charles Leclerc is sure he and Carlos Sainz will not take "unnecessary risks" in their wheel-to-wheel racing after a close battle in Bahrain.

During the season-opener in Sakhir, Sainz lunged up the inside of Leclerc at turn one on Lap 11, the duo battling through the opening sequence of corners as the Spaniard took the place which eventually became third behind both Red Bulls.

Sainz is leaving Ferrari at the end of the season, to be replaced by Lewis Hamilton, with his F1 future still uncertain with no deal currently in place for a new seat.

It has been suggested the two-time Grand Prix winner is keen to 'race for himself' to secure a new drive and not play the game team, but Leclerc is confident that both drivers will continue to work together and discuss any issues that arise.

'The right balance'

"We are always trying to fight on the limit, but obviously keeping in mind that Ferrari comes first and we cannot take unnecessary risks," Leclerc told media including RacingNews365.

"From my side, I wasn't really in a position to be fighting properly as we had quite a few issues to manage, but at the end [of the day], it is a balance and sometimes we might go a bit more over the limit and be a bit too aggressive."

Insisting the relationship between the duo is healthy, Leclerc added: "We'll then have a discussion and recentre it, and that is what we have done in the years we have been competing together, but I don't remember any time where it went as far as having a problem between us.

"It is a good thing and should stay that way, but I have no doubt on that.

"We also have a very good relationship outside of the car, so we are very open and very honest with ourselves, and have this discussion very often.

"It is all about finding the right balance, but I think we did."