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MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – MARCH 12: Ferrari Team Principal Mattia Binotto looks on in the Paddock during previews ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Australia at Melbourne Grand Prix Circuit on March 12, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)
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via Getty
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – MARCH 12: Ferrari Team Principal Mattia Binotto looks on in the Paddock during previews ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Australia at Melbourne Grand Prix Circuit on March 12, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)
The fickle nature of Formula 1 always highlights itself whenever there is a shred of uncertainty and expectations aren’t met. Currently, Alpine is showcasing this side of itself. The French team’s hierarchy made massive changes to their personnel to counter their abysmal track record. The team has already fired two and lost one top-level executive. However, the top execs at Enstone aren’t sitting around as they are set to sign ex-Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto. Binotto might’ve failed to propel Ferrari to the top. Still, his decades’ worth of experience in the premier class with Ferrari as an engineer all the way to a team principal is invaluable for Alpine.
Alpine has currently a divide between their two factories in Enstone and Viry. They need a leader who not only understands what goes behind the scenes in terms of engineering but also knows how to manage a bring team. Someone who not only has the experience but also the respect of his peers to command them. An all-round character who not only has years of experience under his belt but also has leadership on both fronts.
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via Reuters
Formula One F1 – Belgian Grand Prix – Spa-Francorchamps, Spa, Belgium – August 26, 2022. Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto before practice. REUTERS/Stephane Mahe
With all these criteria in mind, Binotto will be a perfect replacement for Otmar Szafnauer. As reported by Auto Journal, the Italian boss is free and will be ready to serve again from September after completing his F1-regulated 6-month hiatus.
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Alpine will also be able to take advantage of Binotto‘s knowledge of the Ferrari V6 engines and integrate them into Renault technology. So if agreements are reached in time, Binotto can take charge of Alpine by the Italian GP, poetic.
It was reported this Alpine could be Binotto’s new hope, but it’s becoming all too real now. So despite his subpar record with Ferrari, there is a lot of positivity around Binotto’s potential arrival at Alpine. In fact, the Renault CEO has mega expectations from Binotto.
Renault’s CEO wants to make Alpine the “French Ferrari” with Mattia Binotto reported to come in
Ferrari is a legendary name in the world of motorsport. The Italian team is also the oldest and most successful team in the circus. So despite its recent shortcomings, there is a lot of pride and respect for Ferrari in the world of motorsport. However, this pride and respect is earned and this is exactly what the Renault CEO incisions Alpine’s future to be as well and he revealed that in a recent interview.
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via Imago
Formula 1 2023: British GP SILVERSTONE CIRCUIT, UNITED KINGDOM – JULY 07. Mattia Binotto in the paddock during the British GP. Silverstone Circuit on Friday July 07, 2023. Northamptonshire, United Kingdom. (Photo by Andy Hone / LAT Images) Images)
Luca de Meo told Sky Sports, “The Alpine Formula 1 team must become the French Ferrari. In France, there is still too little passion for motorsport, and this is because the fans do not have a symbol to cheer for, as is the case in Italy with Ferrari.”
A big ask for a team that doesn’t have nearly as strong a history as Ferrari.
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Additionally, it is not sure how the weight of these expectations will fall on Binotto’s shoulders & how he will thrive. But with history as proof, the Italian boss has not fared well. Let’s hope the former Ferrari boss can change that narrative at Alpine.
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