For the final eight races of the 2021 season, Ferrari installed a new engine specification into their car, which helped Sainz to two podiums.
Sainz gave no hints about his new car during Ferrari's warm-up sessions at Fiorano this week, but he did offer a good tease.
With both Leclerc and Sainz putting some early mileage on their 2022 clocks, Thursday saw the return of one of Formula One's strongest driver lineups.
It's the Maranello team's first track action in 2022, and it'll serve as a warm-up for the upcoming season, which kicks off in March in Bahrain.
Ferrari, who finished third in the 2021 Formula 1 constructor's championship, are the second team to announce the launch date of their 2022 car.
After the retirement of Maurizio Arrivabene in 2019, Binotto was confirmed to be the Scuderia team principal and he will continue at his post.
With four podium places and no retirements, the Spaniard got closer to the team as the 2021 season continued and outscored Leclerc.
Lando Norris signed a contract extension with his team in May, with Sainz replaced by Daniel Ricciardo at McLaren in 2021.
Sainz and new colleague Charles Leclerc rapidly built a strong bond, and the two teamed to place Ferrari third in the constructors' standings.
Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz finished the 2021 Formula 1 season fifth in the world driver's championship, behind only the Mercedes and Red Bull drivers.