Sainz replaced Sebastian Vettel at Ferrari with a two-year contract for this season and enjoyed his strongest Formula 1 season to date. On the way to fifth place in the drivers’ championship, he achieved four podium places.
Sainz managed to outperform Charles Leclerc in her first year as a teammate, helping Ferrari finish third in the constructors’ championship ahead of his former team McLaren.
The Spaniard crowned his season with a third place in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. He said after the race that he “couldn’t ask for more” to round off his first year at Ferrari.
After the race, Ferrari team boss Binotto was jokingly asked if this was the best time to renew Sainz’s contract, even though it was still running for a year.
But he said they’d talk about future plans for the winter when they reviewed his season.
“I think Carlos had a great year,” said Binotto.
Autosport 2021 Top 50: # 7 Carlos Sainz Jr
“When we signed a year ago, we said it was winter time, so this is winter time, [is] the right moment to sit down and review the season. We will definitely do that in winter.
“There will certainly be a look back at the entire season and the season itself and we will start to discuss what our future may be.”
Carlos Sainz Jr., Ferrari
Photo by: Ferrari
Binotto was impressed with Sainz’s performance, considering it was his first season with Ferrari, and reiterated his belief that he was the best line-up on the F1 grid alongside Leclerc.
“When we signed with Carlos, the goal was to have two good drivers who are good racers, who are consistent and are able to score points for the team,” said Binotto.
“I think that’s what we got this season. So I’m very proud of both of them. I think, as I’ve said many times before, we have the best line-up in Formula 1 and I’m pretty happy with what Carlos has done this season.
“Since it was his very first season with Ferrari, it wasn’t easy and obvious.
“We signed with him because we said he was a good racing driver, was consistent and always got good points. But I think he’s a good learner too.”
“He’s improved over the season and I think the end of the season is his best part of the whole season.”
