Ferrari team principal Binotto stands down

MATTIA Binotto has resigned as Ferrari team principal following four seasons at the helm of the Italian team, writes Philip Duncan.

The 53-year-old will leave his post on December 31. Ferrari finished second in the 2022 constructors’ championship, while Charles Leclerc was runner-up to Red Bull’s Max Verstappen in the drivers’ standings.

However, Binotto, right, is moving on after a catalogue of Ferrari errors which dented Leclerc’s title charge.

“With the regret that this entails, I have decided to conclude my time with Ferrari,” said Binotto, who joined the organisation in 1995.

“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.

“I would like to thank everyone at Gestione Sportiva who have shared this journey, made up of difficulties, but also of great satisfaction.”

Ferrari revealed the search for Binotto’s successor is “under way”.

The team has dismissed reports linking them with Alfa Romeo team principal Fred Vasseur as “totally without foundation”, while Ross Brawn, another name in the mix, has confirmed he is retiring.