Mattia Binotto is not popular among Four-time World Champion Vettel’s fans. The Italian called Vettel earlier in the season on his personal number to reveal the final decision on their future. But Speaking in an exclusive interview with Sky Italia, Binotto revealed that he had to prepare himself well in advance for the difficult conversation.
“I was at home, and before I called him I repeated mentally three times beforehand what I should tell him and how,” explained Binotto.
“The choice about Seb was not easy, because we love him for what he has been, for the way he has behaved and for what he has given to the team over the years. But there comes a time when you have to have the clarity to make choices looking to the future. We are close to the start of a new technical cycle in 2022, and there is a team that is being built up in all areas.
“We have the duty and ambition to look to the medium and long term, and it is precisely on this rationale that the strength to make certain choices must be found.
“Did Seb get in the way? No, he did not hang up the phone. He is a very intelligent person, a beautiful person, and he has maintained his character during a season in which there has been no lack of difficulties. He was never negative. Instead, he was proactive and a very respectable person.”
Binotto On 2021 Driver line-up :
The Italian believes the 2021 line-up of Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz will bring a different vibe to the team, as he reckons the pair have different strengths.
“Charles has the enthusiasm of the fans and also the team from the way he produces lap times in qualifying, with his overtaking and with the way he defends on track. Enzo Ferrari would have loved it.
“Regarding the choice of Carlos, I personally see him as a leader He is a great worker. He hooks up with engineers and asks for more and more. Although he is young, he already has many years of Formula 1 behind him and his path has always been one of learning to get the results.
“The drivers today are really the least of our problems. Charles is growing, and in difficulties he has never been critical. He wants to help contribute and grow the team.”
The time of revelations about phone call from Binotto is really interesting , after a tough few weeks , Vettel raised concern about similarity between his car and the one next to his garage, which was dismissed by Binotto immediately. Hopefully Vettel will end his Ferrari tenure high by scoring points, if possible a podium.