Scuderia Ferrari Team Principal Mattia Binotto has admitted that is very pleased with how well Carlos Sainz has adapted to life at the Maranello team, after he joined the Italian side from McLaren before the start of the 2021 Formula 1 championship. Despite the fact that many of the drivers who decided to change teams this season had a hard time adjusting, such as Sergio Perez, Sebastian Vettel or Daniel Ricciardo, Carlos Sainz showed his potential and abilities by matching teammate Charles Leclerc during the first part of the season.
In a recent interview for the Italian media, Mattia Binotto pointed out the Maranello team’s satisfaction with their decision to sign Carlos Sainz and added that they were not at all surprised by the start of his F1 career with the Italian side: how well he has adjusted.
“I’m not surprised because when we decided to prepare to make him an offer, we made a lot of analysis and we knew that he was a strong driver. We knew that he was a strong racer. We knew that he was very consistent in the race and he was fast as well. He has proved to be fast since he was in F1. We should not forget that his very first F1 season with Toro Rosso, his teammate was Max [Verstappen]. And that very first year, he was doing well. And if we look as well at the last year, with Lando [Norris], I think again he was doing very well. And we know how Lando is strong and he has shown that as well in the current season. So we are not surprised by how strong he is or how fast he is, I’m happy, there’s no doubt. I’m happy to see he’s doing well because that shows we made the right choice. I’m happy to see the ways that he is integrating with the team, the way that he’s being with Charles. I’m happy, in terms of leadership, the type of leadership he is showing, not only on track but out of the cockpit when he is back at Maranello.” – the Ferrari boss explained.
When asked about Ferrari’s expectations for the Spanish driver after the summer break, in the 12 races remaining this season, Mattia Binotto confirmed he hopes that Carlos will will be able to avoid some of the mistakes which have not allowed him to maximize the results in certain races this year:
“What I’m expecting from him in the second half, I think he already said himself, he has not yet been capable to put together an entire weekend. There’s already a mistake here or there, in quali, at the start or in the race. So I’m expecting that he will continue his learning, the team continues learning the car. And soon, hopefully, he will put together an entire weekend, which is important for him.” – the Ferrari boss concluded.
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