Mattia Binotto says it was too early to hire Antonio Giovinazzi

By announcing the non-renewal of the contract of Sebastian Vettel past the 2020 season, the Team Ferrari launched the transfer market early, initiating a showy game of musical chairs Carlos Sainz join Maranello, when Daniel Ricciardo will replace the Spaniard at McLaren.

The Italian team therefore went to look outside its walls for its new driver after having promoted a pure product of its sector with Charles Leclerc in 2019.

But this time, Ferrari did not wish to do the same with Antonio Giovinazzi, resident of Maranello and starter at Alfa Romeo Racing.

“Antonio is a boy that I respect a lot, observes Mattia Binotto, head of Ferrari Sports Management on Sky Sports Italia. Last year he had his first season in Formula 1, and move to Ferrari after a year, I think it requires too much responsibility.

He must keep his head high, we are counting on his development and we will help him. He is part of our plans, but he still needs to gain more experience in F1. »

Note, however, that Charles Leclerc was promoted after only one season at Sauber – Alfa Romeo in 2019.