Charles Leclerc believes Sauber executed a close-to-perfect Singapore Grand Prix as he returned to the points-paying positions for the first time since Austria.
Leclerc started from 13th on the grid and ran a long first on Ultrasoft tyres to gradually move up the order as those who made Q3 and started on Hypersofts pitted earlier.
Ferrari-bound Leclerc came out of the pits in ninth position and preserved the spot through to the chequered flag.
It marked Leclerc’s sixth top 10 finish of the campaign as he ended a run of five Grands Prix without a point – the longest of his nascent Formula 1 career.
“What a race – it was quite close to being perfect,” he said.
“We had strong lap times, and the balance of the car felt good from the beginning to the end.
“We made a great recovery this weekend, after having a weaker race pace on Friday.
“With our strategy, we were able to fight our way to the front of the midfield and finish in the points again.
“Achieving this after the past few weekends feels good and shows our potential.”
Sauber team-mate Marcus Ericsson rose three places from his grid position but missed out on a point after classifying in 11th place.
“The pace was good and there were no mistakes made,” said Ericsson.
“Despite that, it is a bit frustrating to have finished in P11, so close to the points.
“We gave a strong performance, but could not fight for P10 anymore after coming back out onto the track behind the leading cars following our pitstop.”
Sauber retained ninth place in the Constructors’ Championship, its tally now up to 21 points.
