The Spaniard said the start to the season has been a “roller-coaster” after notching the third grand prix win of his career, the first since his triumph in Singapore last year.
It was announced before the start of the season that Sainz would be leaving Ferrari at the end of it to make way for seven-time world champions Lewis Hamilton.
He then finished on the podium of the season-opening race in Bahrain, coming third, but had to miss the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix earlier this month due to appendicitis surgery.
“It was a really good race; I felt really good out there,” said the 29-year-old.
“I could manage my pace, manage the tyres, manage everything.
“It wasn’t the toughest race of all, but yeah, very happy, very proud of the team.
“I’m happy to be in a one-two with Charles here.
“It shows that hard work pays off.
“Life sometimes is crazy, what happened at the beginning of year, then the podium in Bahrain, then the appendix, the comeback, the win.
“It’s a roller-coaster, but I loved it and I’m extremely happy.”
The second-place finish puts Leclerc on 47 points in the drivers’ standings, just four behind leader Verstappen, while Sainz is fourth with 40 points.
Ferrari are second in the constructors’ standings with 93 points, four behind Red Bull.
Red Bull’s treble world champion Max Verstappen had to withdraw early in the race with smoke coming out of his car.
ANSA
