Saints replaced Sebastian Votel at Ferrari on a two-year contract this season, enjoying his strongest F1 campaign to date, scoring four podiums en route to fifth place in the drivers ’championship.
Saints managed to beat Charles Leclerc in their first year as a teammate, helping Ferrari achieve third place in the Constructors’ Championship ahead of his former team, McLaren.
The Spaniard signed his season with a third place finish at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. He said after the race that he “could not ask for more” to end his first year with Ferrari.
The manager of the Ferrari Binto team was jokingly asked after the race if it was the best time to renew Saints’ contract, even though he had another year left. But he said they will discuss future plans during the winter when they review his season.
“I think Carlos had a great year,” Binto said.
“When we signed a year ago, we said it’s winter time, so it’s winter time, [is] The right moment to sit down and check out the season. This is something that must be done during the winter.
“There will definitely be a full review, and about the season itself, and we’ll start discussing what our future may be.”
Binto felt impressed by Saints’ performance given the fact that this is his first season with Ferrari, and reiterated his belief that he put together the best lineup on the F1 network alongside Clark.
“When we signed with Carlos, the goal was two good drivers who would be good riders, consistent and able to score points for the team,” Binto said.
“I think that’s what we got this season. So I’m very proud of both of them. I think as I’m said many times, we have the best squad in Formula 1, and I’m pretty happy with what Carlos did this season.
“Being his first season with Ferrari, it was not simple and obvious. We signed with him because we said he rides well, consistently, always scoring good points. But I think he also learns well.
“Over the season he has improved, and I think the end of the season is his best part of the whole season.”
Keyword: Binto will discuss future Ferrari F1 with Sainz during the winter