Binotto sees future F1 driver: 'He is a fantastic driver'

With Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, Ferrari has two excellent drivers in house with whom it will go into next season. Behind the scenes, Mattia Binotto notices that there are more young talents knocking on the door. The team boss tells Formule1.nl that Robert Shwartzman, among others, deserves a place in Formula 1, but he is still not getting the chance.

The 23-year-old Russian was active in Formula 2 last season. At that time, he finished just behind Oscar Piastri but thus made a big impression in the motorsport class. According to Binotto, he is waiting for a place in Formula 1, but there is little chance of that happening this coming season.

Shwartzman, who will be in action for Ferrari during the first free practice of the US Grand Prix, was born in Israel and has also been racing in motorsport under this licence since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, so he does not suffer from FIA restrictions. However, it will be difficult for him to make the switch to Formula 1 as early as 2023.

Binotto hopes for chance for Shwartzman

Exclusively Haas seems to be among the possibilities to contract Shwartzman. However, the American racing stable also has other options. Binotto believes the driver should be given a chance. "Robert is a fantastic driver," he states. "Every time he stepped into the Formula 1 car he was very fast."

Binotto also notes that his talent has developed a lot. "He has developed as a driver. He is much more mature than a year ago. He deserves a seat. We know it's a very difficult situation now, but hopefully it will come in the future."