Binotto set for surprise F1 return? Ex-Ferrari team boss rumoured to make his return to the sport almost a year and a half after he left F1, former Ferrari team boss Mattia Binotto could be on the verge of a return to Formula One. A struggling team is said to be strongly considering a move for the Italian.
At the end of 2022, Binotto called time on his work at Ferrari after 28 years with the Scuderia in a variety of roles. Officially the split was amicable, but behind closed doors it was said that his relationship with Ferrari bosses was no longer the best and he was simply given the boot.
Binotto joined Ferrari in 1995 as an engine engineer and steadily rose through the ranks of the team. His technical acumen and leadership qualities eventually led to his appointment as team principal in January 2019, succeeding Maurizio Arrivabene. Binotto’s promotion was seen as a strategic move, utilising his deep technical expertise to return Ferrari to its former glory. No pressure…
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Early optimism and challenges
Initially, Binotto’s tenure was greeted with optimism. The 2019 season began with competitive performances, with Ferrari securing a string of pole positions and race wins, largely thanks to the efforts of young star driver Charles Leclerc and the experienced Sebastian Vettel.
However, despite the promising start, Ferrari struggled with consistency and strategic missteps, ultimately falling behind the dominant Mercedes team.
The 2020 season proved to be particularly challenging. The SF1000, Ferrari’s car for the season, was plagued by performance issues, particularly related to the power unit. An FIA investigation into Ferrari’s 2019 power unit resulted in a confidential settlement, and subsequent technical directives had a significant impact on the team’s performance.
The car was significantly slower than its rivals, resulting in one of Ferrari’s worst seasons in recent memory, finishing a lowly sixth in the Constructors’ Championship.
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Attempt at rebuilding
In response to the disastrous 2020 season, Binotto embarked on a major restructuring of the team. His strategy involved a major technical overhaul and a renewed focus on long-term development. Binotto’s approach was methodical, advocating patience and gradual improvement rather than immediate results.
He also had to manage the dynamics of bringing in Carlos Sainz to replace the departing Vettel for the 2021 season, and foster a promising driver line-up with Sainz and Leclerc.
The 2021 season showed signs of recovery, with Ferrari making noticeable progress. The SF21 was more competitive and the team secured several podium finishes. Ferrari finished third in the Constructors’ Championship, a significant improvement on the previous year, instilling a renewed sense of hope and confidence in the team and its fanbase.
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Departure and legacy
Despite the progress made in 2021, Ferrari’s overall performance during Binotto’s tenure fell short of the high expectations of both the team and its passionate supporters. In December 2022, Mattia Binotto announced his resignation as Team Principal, effective at the end of the year. His departure marked the end of a turbulent period for Ferrari, characterised by both technical and strategic challenges.
Binotto’s legacy at Ferrari is one of complexity. While he is credited with initiating necessary reforms and demonstrating a clear vision for the team’s technical future, the tangible results of his time as team principal were limited. The pressures and expectations associated with running Ferrari, arguably the most iconic and scrutinised team in F1, proved formidable.
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Gardening leave complete, talks with new team started?
Binotto has now served the usual one-year break from F1. So it is not surprising that there are now rumours of his return to the top flight. La Gazzetta dello Sport has linked the 54-year-old with a move to Aston Martin.
The rumours have been fuelled by Binotto’s visit to the Aston Martin hospitality facility at Imola, where the report claims he held talks with officials.
However, the Italian has been seen in the pit lane on several occasions in recent months and has visited several teams. There has also been speculation about Binotto’s possible involvement with Audi. His name has also been mentioned at Alpine.
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Aston Martin left behind in F1
The Aston Martin rumours have been given substance by the British team’s current crisis. The team has slipped way down the Formula 1 food chain this season. The goal was to compete with Red Bull’s A-Team in 2024. Now there are fears that they may even be overtaken by Red Bull’s B team. For owner Lawrence Stroll, who has pumped huge sums into the team, this is absurd.
According to La Gazzetta, it is still unclear in which position Binotto could join Aston Martin. It is possible that he will take over from Mike Krack as team principal. But a move to a more senior position with the company is also possible.
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