Haas team principal Guenther Steiner has revealed that former Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto is “in a good place”, with the Italian-American believing that his friend will “land on his feet” with his next role in Formula 1.
It’s reported that Binotto’s absence from the paddock is due to him having agreed to a 12-month period of gardening leave following his resignation from Ferrari, with the Swiss-Italian having spent 28 years working for the Scuderia.
Whilst his stint as team principal was questionable, Binotto is regarded as one of the best technical directors in the sport, with it being a surprise to see that he hasn’t yet been signed by another team.
A 12-month gardening leave period would explain this; however, there is almost certainly going to be interest in his services, given his wealth of experience and exceptional knowledge.
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It appears that Steiner knows Binotto better than most in F1, with the duo seemingly being great friends.
The pair’s relationship was displayed during the recent series of ‘Drive to Survive’, with Binotto and Steiner having enjoyed a drive through the Italian countryside, before enjoying a lovely meal at Binotto’s vineyard.
Steiner was asked if Binotto is part of F1’s infamous ‘Piranha club’, with the Haas boss admitting that only Binotto could answer the question.
“I don’t know you have to ask him that,” Steiner said.
“I think he’s in a good place. I spoke with him at beginning of the week and I think a guy like Mattia will land on his feet.”
Whilst Binotto and Steiner are friends, Haas and Binotto’s former team have been involved in their fair share of political battles, given that Haas are a customer team of Ferrari.
Haas improved considerably last season; however, former Ferrari Driver Academy athlete Mick Schumacher failed to perform, something which resulted in several stories.
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“It doesn’t do anything to you,” said Steiner, when asked about the political battles in F1.
“It’s part of the job. I wouldn’t say you enjoy it but you know it’s part of the job and you do it.
“Because once you start to enjoy negative things, I think then you’re quite a sad person. It’s part of your job to get the best out of it. Your skin gets very thick after a while.”