Leclerc: Ferrari set for 'strategic moves' in British GP to ensure 1-2

©Ferrari

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Charles Leclerc says the Ferrari pitwall might rely on "strategic moves'" to bolster the team's chances of achieving a 1-2 result in Sunday's British Grand Prix.

Carlos Sainz will the field off the grid at Silverstone, ahead of Red Bull's Max Verstappen and Leclerc whose final hot lap to secure pole in Q3 was thwarted by a spin at Chapel where the Monegasque was caught out by the tricky conditions.

With Sergio Perez lining up fourth for Sunday's race, a straight battle between the Ferrari and Red Bull drivers appears in order.

Read also: Binotto admits concern at Ferrari over reliability

"Of course, I'll be very happy if Carlos wins the race," said Leclerc. "But I'm not going to hide that I want to win too.

"I think what is most important is that we finish 1-2, whatever way around it is.

"If we can play strategic moves in between the cars, I'm pretty sure that we will. I feel confident with the car, so let’s wait and see."

Sainz will be chasing at Silverstone on Sunday afternoon his maiden win in Formula 1.

And the Spaniard agrees that the best chance of fulfilling that prime objective is for the Scuderia's drivers to offer a united front against their rivals.

"I agree. I think we will work as a team, like we’ve done all season," he said.

"I’m pretty sure that between Charles and me, we can put up a battle with Max and obviously not forgetting about Sergio, who will be also attacking.

"They were very quick in FP3 so I think if we can work [together], we can achieve a 1-2."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.