Turmoil appears to be breaking out at Ferrari, unsurprisingly, given how disappointing their 2022 campaign has turned out to be; however, it’s once again team principal Mattia Binotto who is facing the brunt of the criticism.
It was revealed in Italy on Tuesday by La Gazzetta dello Sport that Binotto is reportedly set to be axed from his role following the season finale in Abu Dhabi this weekend, with a shock replacement in line.
Reportedly, Alfa Romeo team principal Frederic Vasseur will replace the Italian at the Maranello-based team next season, with Ferrari’s assistant team principal Laurent Mekies supposedly set to replace Vasseur at the Hinwil-based side.
Should this happen, then it would see a reunion between Vasseur and Charles Leclerc, who he managed during the Monegasque’s first year in the sport back in 2018.
READ: Max Verstappen wins prestigious award following Sergio Perez flare-up
However, Ferrari have denied that such a thing is going to happen, with an official statement from the Italians insisting that the “rumours are totally without foundation”.
“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,” the statement read.
Whilst Ferrari are yet to officially confirm if there will be a change of leadership at Maranello, it wouldn’t be a huge shock if Binotto is replaced.
2022 had so much potential for Ferrari; however, strategic mistakes and an overall design flaw have seen the side slip to third in the overall performance rankings.
They do currently hold second in the Constructors’ Championship but are being closed rapidly by Mercedes, with just 19 points separating the two.
Ferrari shouldn’t be in a fight with the Germans, although, they only have themselves to blame.
Many labelled Leclerc as the title favourite after winning two of the opening three races, but that is where everything went wrong.
The Italians prioritised performance over reliability, which has led to multiple power unit failures and therefore grid penalties.
Failures aren’t always the end of the world; however, it is then vital to capitalise on every other opportunity.
Ferrari haven’t done this, as they’ve thrown away several victories through their own strategic incompetence.
READ: Fernando Alonso looking forward to not being Esteban Ocon’s team-mate
This was summed up in Q3 at the Brazilian Grand Prix, where Ferrari fitted Leclerc with the Intermediate tyres, despite the circuit being dry.
Binotto has been urged to make changes to the side but has always insisted that nothing needs to be done.
With that in mind, it appears that Ferrari president John Elkann believes that it’s Binotto who needs to be changed.