Scuderia Ferrari is in a “better place” than a few years ago also because of Mattia Binotto’s leadership, Spanish driver Carlos Sainz wanted to point out, as the Italian manager leaves Ferrari after almost three decades of working in Maranello, with the last four years spent as head of the Ferrari Formula 1 Racing Division.
Mattia Binotto has lost the confidence of chairman John Elkann and chief executive officer Benedetto Vigna due to the Maranello team not being able to challenge Red Bull for the world titles in 2022, despite the fact that the F1-75 car started the season strong, but Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz’s efforts were hindered by reliability issues, poor strategic decisions from the pit wall and other operational mistakes that have led to a change at the top ahead of the 2023 Formula 1 championship.
“Ultimately it’s his decision and I can only wish him the very best,” Spaniard Carlos Sainz said in a recent interview for Italy’s Autosprint.
The Ferrari senior management has replaced the long-serving Italian manager with Frenchman Frederic Vasseur, who during the last few years has been in charge of the Ferrari-powered Alfa Romeo team.
“Mattia meant a lot to me in my first two years at Ferrari. He listened to me and he trusted me. Ferrari is also in a better place thanks to him.” – the Spanish driver continued.
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Part of the media, however, believes that Frederic Vasseur’s appointment as Ferrari team principal will be more favourable for Charles Leclerc, given the fact that the two have already worked together at Sauber and the Monegasque driver’s manager Nicholas Todt was previously in business with Fred Vasseur.
“It’s not like I’m starting from scratch,” Carlos Sainz added – “I think I get along well with him and he will be happy with me when he sees me at work. I think his relationship with Charles is also good for the team,” he added. “It can ensure that he feels more at home within the team.” – the Ferrari man concluded.
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