“Very happy”– Mattia Binotto with Carlos Sainz

“Very happy”– Mattia Binotto is content with Carlos Sainz’s influence in Ferrari so far; praises his traits like leadership and teamwork.

Ferrari appointed Carlos Sainz to replace Carlos Sainz, and so far, the Spaniard has delivered some impressive results to concrete his claim to his seat.

Mattia Binotto is so far “very happy” with Sainz, as he not only praises his driving skills but leadership qualities and his behaviour in the team.

“Very happy I have to say since the first day, the way he is behaving, the way he is working, the way he is integrating with the team,” Binotto told to Channel 4.

“I think he is a great leader, not only a good driver,” Binotto continued. “We knew that he was fast, when we made him the offer we were looking at his experience, how he drove, he always did well in his career, so we knew he was fast, a powerful racer.

“But he is a great person and really I think he is a great leader as well outside of the cockpit. It’s fresh air no doubt. As we always said the youngest driver line-up since 1968 for Ferrari.”

“So we are really trying to create solid foundations for the future, so it’s not only a short-term choice it’s really trying to look at the future and trying to create the future of Ferrari.”

We are more competitive.

Binotto concedes that the last year was not great for Ferrari, but is convinced by the early trends of the 2021 season. Though, he has said that the podium should not be expected anytime soon, as two teams are definitely faster than them.

“Obviously, last year was very painful for the fans, but it was for us as well, for us sitting on the pit wall and the drivers,” Binotto explained. “So at least we are a more competitive Ferrari, that is important.

“We knew it would be difficult to make a lot of progress during the winter, the cars were almost frozen. We worked a bit on aerodynamics but less opportunity in the wind tunnel and simulation.”

“So I think that overall the progress that we made is great, and encouraging because still, I think we have got a great team, a team that can design good cars and looking ahead to the future that is what we are really looking for.

“How long for the podium? I think in Formula 1, you need patience, and you need time. There are no silver bullets, and I think the best opportunity will be next year; I think that will be easier.

“We have two cars which certainly are faster than ours, so unless something happens ahead I think it will be difficult for us. But what is more important I think is the will to win, this mentality, willing to win, looking at all the details and making sure that we are always progressing.”

About the author

Tanish Chachra

Tanish Chachra is the Motorsport editor at The SportsRush. He saw his first race when F1 visited India in 2011, and since then, his romance with the sport has been seasonal until he took up this role in 2020. Reigniting F1's coverage on this site, Tanish has fallen in love with the sport all over again. He loves Kimi Raikkonen and sees a future world champion in Oscar Piastri. Away from us, he loves to snuggle inside his books.

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