Sainz replaced Sebastian Vettel at Ferrari this season after signing a two-year contract. The Madrid native has completed his best F1 season to date, scoring four podiums and finishing fifth in the drivers’ championship.
The Spaniard managed to overtake teammate Charles Leclerc in their first year together, helping Ferrari to third place in the constructors’ championship, ahead of his former team McLaren.
The 27-year-old rounded off his season with a third-place finish at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and said after the race that he “couldn’t ask for more” in his first year in the red suit.
Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto was jokingly asked after the race at Yas Marina if now was the best time to renew Sainz’s contract, even though he still has a year to go, replying that they would discuss plans. of future during the winter, when they review the season.
“I think Carlos had a great year,” Binotto said. “When we signed a year ago, we said it was winter time, so this is winter time, [it’s] the right time to sit down and do a season review. That’s something we’ll certainly do winter.”
“There will be a joint review of the season itself, and we will begin to discuss what may be about our future.”
(Before continuing reading, click on this link or on the photo to see the images of the 2021 season of Carlos Sainz in F1)
Sainz’s performance impressed Binotto, considering it was his first season with Ferrari, and reinforced his belief that he forms the best line-up on the F1 grid alongside Leclerc.
“When we signed Carlos, the goal was to have two good drivers who were great drivers, consistent and capable of scoring points for the team,” said Binotto.
“I think that’s what we’ve achieved this season. So I’m very proud of both of us. I think, as I’ve often said, we have the best line-up in Formula 1, and I’m very happy with what Carlos has done this season.” .
“Being his first season with Ferrari, it wasn’t easy or obvious. We signed him because we said he was a good driver, consistent, always scoring valuable points. But I think he’s also a good apprentice.
“Over the season, he’s gotten better, and I think the ending was his best part of the entire season.”
