Mattia Binotto has worked for Ferrari for 28 years. Since taking over from Maurizio Arrivabene, the Italian engineer has been under intense scrutiny. After failing to win the championship for the Prancing Horse in his tenure, Binotto decided to resign from the team. This news wasn’t unexpected because the two parties’ strained relationship had been evident for some time. Binotto’s exit may prove to be a major setback for the club, according to the Scuderia’s strongest opponent this season.
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Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko believes that Binotto’s resignation could weaken the team in their title race next year and that Ferrari should have given more support to Binotto rather than replacing him. Speaking with Auto Motor und Sport Helmut Marko said, “In the case of Ferrari, I don’t quite understand the change. I consider Binotto to be an excellent technician and politician. He was simply overwhelmed by the task.”
Adding further, the Austrian said, “But it would have been enough to provide him with a sports director who would support him at the track and with the strategy. With the new man, who has many other jobs, I see a weakening for Ferrari.” [Translated Via Google]
Following Mattia Binotto’s departure from Ferrari, the F1 community has spoken its opinions. Even the top gun’s team principal hasn’t shied away from sharing their thoughts on this delicate subject. Both Toto Wolff and Christian Horner had spoken out against Mattia Binotto’s act. And Toto Wolff even said that the Italian Engineer had prolonged his stay with the Maranello-based outfit.
Toto Wolff on Mattia Binotto’s departure
Toto Wolff, who has maintained a position with a premier team, knows how much pressure a team is under at such a high level for so long. The management and the supporters have high expectations, which makes working a little challenging. Wolff expressed his thoughts on the former Ferrari employee, claiming that Binotto stayed at the Prancing Horse for a little longer than the Mercedes Supremo had anticipated.
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In a conversation with the Beyond the Grid podcast, Wolff conveyed, “Mattia and I had our moments. It’s no secret over these many years. But in a way, we consolidated that in 2022, we were in a much better place. It was always clear that he was under tremendous pressure. Being a team principal at Ferrari, you better have a good contract for your exit. And now probably the unavoidable happened. But he held on to it longer than I thought.”
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For 15 years, Ferrari has been vying for the championship; unfortunately, each time they get that much closer to victory, something happens to ruin their hopes. Do you believe that the Scuderia camp’s prospects will improve under the new leadership, or will things remain as they are?