Being the team principal of Ferrari is seemingly like trying to complete a maze blindfolded; extremely complicated and more often than not, impossible.
Mattia Binotto has finally accepted that it seems, with the Italian and Ferrari having announced his resignation Tuesday morning, confirming reports from the last two weeks that came out of the Italian press.
Whilst many have become accustomed to team principals coming and going at the Maranello-based outfit, Binotto’s departure is that much more emotional and equally gutting, given that working for Ferrari has been his life for the last 28 years.
The Italian has been part of the Italian side since 1995, where he initially joined as an intern before working his way impressively up the ranks.
READ: Sergio Perez makes big claim about Las Vegas GP after bad casino experience
Many have hailed him as an incredible technical director, but not someone who should’ve taken on the role of team boss, something that perhaps is true.
Binotto can potentially be commended for his continued attitude to not blame anyone in the side for their strategic downfalls, for which there were many in 2022.
Sometimes, though, mistakes do need to be dealt with, something that Binotto appeared to be reluctant to do, with suggestions that he was eager to keep the pace within the Scuderia.
Ultimately, though, it is his job and his relationship with Ferrari president John Elkann that has suffered the biggest blow, with many now wondering who will snap up one of the best technical officers not just in F1, but in motorsport.
In an official statement, Binotto announced his departure from Ferrari, with his position as team principal set to end on 31st December.
Binotto states his “regret” at announcing his departure, but that it’s in the end the “right” thing to do for the good of the side that he has grown to “love” so much.
“With the regret that this entails, I have decided to conclude my collaboration with Ferrari,” said Binotto.
“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.
“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.”
It’s been heavily speculated for a couple of weeks now that Binotto was set to leave Ferrari, after reports came out of Italy that the side had already begun the search for his replacement.
READ: 2023 Saudi Arabian GP: Safety improved following ‘significant changes’
Alfa Romeo team principal Frederic Vasseur has already been tipped as the most likely successor to Binotto, with many wondering if the Frenchman can master the role that appears to be a poison chalice.
Ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Ferrari interestingly denied the reports that suggested Binotto was set to resign.
The Italians released an official statement which now just looks somewhat meaningless, given that what was reported two weeks ago has proven to be correct.