Carlos Sainz has responded to former Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto revealing that he would not have signed Lewis Hamilton.
Binotto left Ferrari at the end of the 2022 F1 season and was replaced by Frederic Vasseur, who has signed Hamilton for next year.
The seven-time world champion will take Sainz's seat alongside Charles Leclerc, triggering the Spaniard's move to Williams.
When asked by Corriere della Sera if he would have signed Hamilton, Binotto answered: “No. But he did very well to go to Ferrari, I agree with his decision.”
Sainz joined Ferrari under the leadership of Binotto but opted against fully reacting to the Swiss-Italian's view of Hamilton's move to Maranello.
“Binotto says he wouldn’t have signed Lewis?” Sainz responded, whilst speaking at the 2024 Marca Sports Weekend.
“I don’t get involved in that. I’ll keep my opinion to myself and I’ll tell you my opinion over dinner one day.”
Despite the disappointment of leaving the Maranello-based team, Sainz does believe the partnership of Hamilton and Leclerc will be successful.
“He and Leclerc are two great drivers, I’m sure they’ll have a good time,” Sainz said.
Viewed by others:
One final Ferrari win
This weekend's United States Grand Prix marks the start of Sainz's final leg with Ferrari, before he switches to Williams.
Sainz has found himself thinking about his move to Grove more and more, and is now ready for the move to the British team.
However, for the perfect Ferrari departure, the 30-year-old would like to claim one final race victory for the team.
“My head is more and more motivated by the Williams project, every day that goes by, the body is asking for a change, but I want to win another race before saying goodbye to Ferrari,” Sainz added.
“Until the end of the year, whatever it takes, we have to finish well, with podiums or a win. Now my head is in Ferrari and then I want to do the same or even more with my new team.
“Of the remaining grands prix, Mexico and Las Vegas are the ones where I have the best chances of winning another race.”
Also interesting:
Join RacingNews365's Ian, Sam and Nick, as they look ahead to this weekend's US Grand Prix! Max Verstappen and Lando Norris' title fight is a lead topic, as is the pressure on Red Bull's upgrade for COTA. Lewis Hamilton, Liam Lawson and Toyota's return are also discussed.
Rather watch the podcast? Then click here!
Most read
In this article
Join the conversation!