Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto is set to be announced as having departed the Italians in the next few hours, following a magnitude of reports suggesting that the Italian was bound for the exit door.
That’s according to Corriere della Sera, and it is being reported from foreign sources linked to Charles Leclerc’s entourage that an announcement will be made after a separation clause has been defined, with Binotto having supposedly agreed to leave.
A large part of Binotto’s departure is believed to be down to a poor relationship with Ferrari president John Elkann, who is said to be lacking trust in the current team principal.
Binotto’s departure was actually being reported prior to the season finale in Abu Dhabi, where Ferrari claimed second in the Constructors’ Championship and Leclerc the same in the Drivers’.
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At the time, Ferrari released an official statement denying such “speculation”.
“In relation to speculation in certain media regarding Scuderia Ferrari Team Principal Mattia Binotto’s position, Ferrari states that these rumours are totally without foundation,” an official statement read.
Binotto supposedly told friends at the Yas Marina Circuit that he was tired of carrying the Maranello-based side, who have come under fire countless times this season for their strategic blunders, for which there have been several.
Binotto has taken the brunt of the criticism this season and has always defended his side with honour, something that is incredibly commendable.
There have been multiple calls for Ferrari to change their strategic personnel following issues, which included, fitting Leclerc with Intermediate tyres during Q3 at the Brazilian Grand Prix despite the circuit being predominantly dry.
The 53-year-old is contracted until the end of next season but is seemingly finished with working in what is a heated environment, following a year of several missed opportunities.
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His departure will mark the end of a 28-year journey with the Scuderia, with Binotto having held several roles since joining the Italians as an intern in 1995.
It looks set that he will suffer a similar fate to the last few Ferrari team principals, with Binotto’s four-year reign set to conclude.
Alfa Romeo boss Frederic Vasseur is tipped as the favourite to take over from Binotto, with the Hinwil-based side’s boss having a strong relationship with both Ferrari and Leclerc, who drove for Alfa Romeo in 2018.