Sainz brings much-needed fresh air to the Ferrari F1 team

Sainz joined Ferrari after driving for McLaren for the last two F1 seasons and driving alongside Charles Leclerc as Sebastian Vettel’s replacement.

Speaking to Sky Sports F1 about how well Sainz has integrated with Ferrari since early 2021, which included just 1.5 days in the team’s SF21 challenger during pre-season reduced testing this year, Binotto said it went well be: “Very good”. , very pleasantly surprised.

“We knew that he was a strong driver – that he would be quick, even on the long stints.

“He has experience because now he’s an experienced F1 driver, even if he’s still very young.

“But I think it’s going very well with Charles, going very well with his team – he has integrated well, [there is] a very positive mood.

“And I think it’s fresh air and sometimes fresh air is required [that] is what we are looking for. And in that regard [we’re] very happy.”

Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, Carlos Sainz Jr., Ferrari

Photo by: Ferrari

Sainz had several off-track moments earlier this month during testing in the SF21 on the Bahrain track.

When asked what was behind these moments and how much the windy conditions had affected Autosport’s Ferrari package, Sainz replied: “It’s a very common driver excuse these days to say that pretty much every accident or moment that we have is dependent on the wind.

“But it’s really very difficult out there with these cars with the wind.

“It is very difficult to explain to you what we feel in the car, but the changes in grip and balance there are enormous depending on the gusts of wind of 5-10 km / h that can catch you.

“And we’re out there trying to push the limits of the car – especially me, I don’t know where that limit is.

“I’m trying to uncover this limit to see how the car behaves in these extreme conditions.

“And yes, I made a few mistakes that I loved to make, that was also the plan of the test.

“To get back to the question, wind makes a huge difference and it’s pretty difficult to deal with all the time.”