“Thanks for the great memories and moments” – Carlos Sainz bids farewell to the departing Mattia Binotto in a heartfelt message
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Carlos Sainz was signed by Mattia Binotto to partner Charles Leclerc at Scuderia Ferrari from the 2021 Formula 1 season. The Spaniard exceeded the expectations of the critics, matching the pace of his teammate from the get-go. Sainz even got his first race victory in F1 this year at the British Grand Prix. Now as Binotto has officially resigned from the Italian team, Carlos looks back at his time with the 53-year-old during a rollercoaster two years in the sport.
Sainz tweeted a touching message for Binotto, mentioning the joy in working alongside the 53-year-old in the new era of Ferrari where the team re-built itself in a bid to get back to winning ways. Sainz stated, “Grazie Mattia. It’s been a pleasure to work alongside you to push the team and ourselves forward through thick and thin,” referring to the hard times during the last seasons when the Prancing Horse found itself struggling with a variety of issues and mistakes. The driver also posted two special pics of the pair together.
The Spaniard expressed his gratitude towards his soon-to-be-old boss for providing several moments cherished by the 28-year-old, Carlos mentioned, “Thanks for the great memories and moments we shared in and out of a racing track.” Binotto had clearly been successful in providing Sainz with a comfortable environment. The Ferrari driver wished the 53-year-old for success in whatever future projects he partakes in, Carlos exclaimed, “all the best in your future endeavors!”
Also Read: How did ‘Sbinalla,’ a term that became popular during Mattia Binotto’s reign, come into existence?
Is Carlos Sainz losing an ally at Maranello?
The exit of Mattia Binotto from the Scuderia may lead to a major blow to the current atmosphere at Maranello. In his 4 years as team boss, Mattia had worked towards developing a new culture at Ferrari, one without the need of pointing fingers or using scapegoats for mistakes. Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc have thrived in this less toxic workplace, and so has the team, which has overcome the rough seasons of 2020 and 2021, and found itself competitive again in 2022, albeit failing to win the championship.
The failure to win the championship may be seen as the reason for Mattia’s resignation, however, one must understand that the 53-year-old had made remarkable progress, taking full responsibility for the team’s faults rather than going on firing sprees now and then. As the Prancing Horse looks for a new team principal, it may hamper the current working system established at Maranello, which the two drivers have gelled well with.
It is rumored that current Alfa Romeo team boss, Frederic Vasseur might be on the cards as the replacement for Binotto, which may be a cause of concern for Sainz, because of Vasseur’s relationship and connections with Leclerc. The Monegasque driver competed in junior categories for Fred’s team, and the 54-year-old was also the Team Principal during Leclerc’s rookie year at Sauber. Carlos Sainz thus may be forced into a situation where he is put on the back foot compared to his teammate.
Carlos Sainz was indeed signed by Binotto as the Spaniard fit into the 53-year-old’s plans for the team, although now that Binotto won’t be heading the Scuderia, it puts Sainz in great jeopardy, with even the risk of being forced to play second-fiddle to Leclerc in the future. F1 is a competitive sport, and teams do not shy away from choosing a first driver, especially Ferrari. Thus the Spaniard now will have added pressure on him for next season, where the 28-year-old must match, if not out-pace his teammate from the get-go in order to solidify his place as an equal in the Italian squad.
Read More: When Lewis Hamilton was caught “hoon” driving two days before the 2010 F1 season opener
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Armaan Agarwal
(2310 Articles Published)