Sainz brings the much-needed fresh air into the Ferrari F1

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

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

“We knew he was a strong driver – he would be quick and quick over long distances,” he added.

“Bring some experience because now, even if he is very young, he is an experienced driver in F1.

“But I think it’s going very well with Charles, 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 needed, that’s what we’re looking for. And in that regard [we’re] very happy.”

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Sainz had a few off-track moments while testing in the SF21 on the Bahrain circuit earlier this month.

When asked what was behind those moments and how much the windy conditions affect Ferrari’s package from Motorsport.com, Sainz replied, “It’s a very common excuse from the driver to say that pretty much every crash or moment that we have is dependent on the wind.

“But with these cars with the wind, it’s really difficult.

“It is very difficult to explain to you what we feel in the car, but the changes in grip and balance depend on a gust of 5 to 10 km / h wind that can catch you.

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

“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 and that I wanted to make. It was the plan of the test too.

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