Ex-Ferrari F1 boss Mattia Binotto reaches out to tifosi during challenging times. Former Ferrari F1 team principal Mattia Binotto reflects on the Scuderia's struggles.

Mattia Binotto expresses concern for Ferrari F1 fans amid a challenging 2025 season

Ferrari are experiencing one of the most difficult seasons in their recent Formula 1 history, with the Scuderia struggling to regain the form that once made them dominant in the sport. Former Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto has shared his reflections on the team’s ongoing difficulties and the impact on their passionate fanbase.

In the 21st century, there have been only two occasions when Ferrari failed to secure a race win and finished outside the top three in the drivers’ championship – in 2014 and 2020. This year, with just six rounds remaining, the team’s chances of ending their winless streak appear slim. A string of five consecutive Grands Prix without a podium finish has highlighted the growing gap between Ferrari and the leading teams. Red Bull’s continued dominance threatens to push the Italian squad down to fourth in the championship, with the points difference narrowing to just ten ahead of the upcoming race in Austin.

Mattia Binotto, who spent nearly three decades at Ferrari after joining the engine department in 1995, ascended through the ranks to become team principal in 2019. He held the position until the end of 2022, when he stepped down amid mounting pressure from poor reliability and operational setbacks, particularly during Charles Leclerc’s early title challenge.

Binotto shares empathy for Ferrari fans

Although Mattia Binotto resigned rather than being dismissed, media outlets, including BBC Sport, highlighted that his departure was largely linked to Ferrari’s struggles in 2022. Watching the team continue to face challenges has clearly been difficult for him. He acknowledged the relentless effort of Ferrari staff in Maranello and expressed deep empathy for the team’s supporters who are enduring a season of frustration and disappointment.

Now at the helm of Audi’s F1 project, preparing for the brand’s works team debut next year after acquiring Sauber, Mattia Binotto has shifted his professional focus. When asked by Autosprint what message he would give to Ferrari fans during this challenging period, he indicated that he shares their pain and respects the dedication of the team’s personnel, while also underlining his own forward-looking ambitions.

Binotto reportedly emphasized that, while he feels sorrow over Ferrari’s current difficulties, he has already moved on professionally and is focused on achieving ambitious goals with Audi in the upcoming F1 season.

Ferrari’s recent performance and internal pressures

Under Mattia Binotto’s leadership, Ferrari had secured five race wins in 2022, ultimately finishing as runners-up behind Red Bull. Despite a promising start, operational inconsistencies and reliability issues, combined with a late-season challenge from Mercedes, shaped a narrative of underachievement. In 2023, Ferrari managed another five victories, finishing the season strongly with wins in the United States and Mexico, complemented by a double podium in Abu Dhabi. They ended the year only 14 points behind champions McLaren, hinting at a potential title challenge.

Compared to those recent seasons, 2025 has been a significant disappointment. The Italian’s successor, Fred Vasseur, faces mounting scrutiny, even though he renewed his contract in July. The team principal has reportedly been frustrated by persistent links to Christian Horner, particularly during the period between the Singapore and Austin Grands Prix, which have intensified internal pressures. Despite the current struggles, Fred Vasseur is expected to retain his role at Ferrari at least until the end of 2026, as the team looks to stabilize and rebuild toward future championship contention.

Overall, Ferrari’s 2025 campaign represents a critical moment for the historic F1 team, combining fan disappointment, operational challenges, and leadership transitions. As Mattia Binotto continues his journey with Audi, his reflections underscore both the passion of the Ferrari team members and the enduring commitment of their loyal supporters, highlighting the complex landscape of modern Formula 1.