Mattia Binotto resigns as Ferrari F1 team principal - 'It is right to take this step at this time'

ByRob Hemingway

Published 29/11/2022 at 09:31 GMT

Mattia Binotto has resigned as Ferrari F1 team principal after 28 years with the company, stating the decision had been "hard" but that it was "right to take this step at this time". Binotto saw his team's competitiveness grow in the 2022 season, but their progress was stalled by strategic errors in a number of races, which called into question Ferrari's decision-makers.

Mattia Binotto has resigned as Ferrari F1 team principal after 28 years with the company, stating the decision had been "hard" but that it was "right" to leave.

Binotto oversaw Ferrari's return to the front of the grid in 2022, but for all that development, their progress was stalled at various junctures during the season by issues around strategy and reliability.

As such, they registered just four wins between their two drivers - Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz - as Red Bull's Max Verstappen coasted to the title.

Formula 1

Verstappen says Hamilton could face 'awkward, weird' last season with Mercedes

15/02/2024 at 23:54

Binotto will leave his position on December 31, 2022, with Ferrari stating that "the process is underway to identify Scuderia Ferrari’s new team principal and is expected to be finalised in the new year".

Binotto said: “With the regret that this entails, I have decided to conclude my collaboration with Ferrari.

"I am leaving a company that I love, which I have been part of for 28 years, with the serenity that comes from the conviction that I have made every effort to achieve the objectives set.

"I leave a united and growing team. A strong team ready, I’m sure, to achieve the highest goals, to which I wish all the best for the future.

"I think it is right to take this step at this time as hard as this decision has been for me.

• ‘If you’re not prepared, stop’ – Verstappen’s message to other F1 drivers about longer calendars

"I would like to thank all the people at the Gestione Sportiva who have shared this journey with me, made up of difficulties but also of great satisfaction.”

Scuderia Ferrari Team Principal Mattia Binotto walks in the Paddock prior to the F1 Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi at Yas Marina Circuit

Image credit: Getty Images

Of Binotto's departure, Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna said: “I would like to thank Mattia for his many great contributions over 28 years with Ferrari, and particularly, for leading the team back to a position of competitiveness during this past year.

"As a result, we are in a strong position to renew our challenge, above all for our amazing fans around the world, to win the ultimate prize in motorsport.

"Everyone here at the Scuderia and in the wider Ferrari community wishes Mattia well for the future.”

Formula 1

Leclerc believes the 'best is yet to come' after signing new contract at Ferrari

25/01/2024 at 16:25

Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

Mercedes and Hamilton admit there is 'Everest to climb' to catch Red Bull next year

27/11/2023 at 09:53

Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

Verstappen takes pole at season-ending Abu Dhabi GP, Hamilton 11th

26/11/2023 at 00:28