Sainz expressed his belief that Vasseur's presence would be a "good development," citing the increased impetus that comes with new blood
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Following Mattia Binotto’s resignation, Ferrari announced on Tuesday that ex-Sauber F1 executive Vasseur would take over as team principal and general manager in January. Vasseur will join Ferrari after a six-season run as Sauber’s F1 team manager, racing for the Alfa Romeo brand for the past four years, and previously having a brief term at Renault in 2016. Speaking at an Estrella Galicia event in Spain on Wednesday, Sainz expressed his belief that Vasseur’s presence would be a “good development,” citing the increased impetus that comes with new blood. “Whenever someone fresh comes in, he has extra drive to do well for himself and the team,” Sainz added. “You must give him time to observe how the team functions and determine what improvements are required. Ferrari is quite huge and I know it will take time. It does not occur on a daily basis.”
Vasseur joins Ferrari at a time when the team is attempting to overcome a title drought that began in 2008. While it won for the first time in two and a half years in 2022, Ferrari was unable to maintain a title challenge against Red Bull throughout the season. Sainz won his first F1 race in the British Grand Prix in July, although he struggled to get used to the Ferrari F1-75 car early in the season and was hampered by six retirements. He finished fifth in the championship, 62 points behind teammate Charles Leclerc. “This is the first year I’ve had a very competitive car, and it’s taught me a lot,” Sainz remarked. “I am sure that I will take advantage of this to better in the future.”
