Mattia Binotto, Ferrari Formula 1 team principal, has decided to say goodbyes to his team at the end of year. He has announced his resignation from the Maranello outfit.
Ferrari, on Tuesday, issued a statement to confirm the long-standing speculations about his future at the outfit. Team announced that it had accepted Binotto’s decision to conclude his partnership with the team.
It announced the last day, December 31st, for the Italian to remain on the team. It hoped to find a replacement in the new year.
Binotto on his resignation
Binotto expressed his regret to leave the team. However, he believed it to be the best for the Maranello outfit.
“With the regret that this entails, I have decided to conclude my collaboration with Ferrari,” he said.
“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.”
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Binotto’s move comes at the end of a rollercoaster season, where Ferrari enjoyed many highs and lows.
The squad emerged stronger this year, where it challenged the title winning team Red Bull. However, a series of reliability problems and strategic errors pushed Ferrari for a managerial revamp.
The speculations about Binotto departure surfaced before the season finale in Abu Dhabi. The speculations linked Fred Vasseur, Alfa Romeo boss, as a possible replacement. The squad swiftly dismissed such speculations.
Vigna appreciates Binotto
Binotto managed to secure the second place in both championship titles. But Ferrari Chairman and CEO, John Elkann & Benedetoo Vigna, offered partial support to his performance this year. Therefore, he offered his resignation which was accepted.
Vigna appreciated Binotto’s efforts for the team over the decades.
“I would like to thank Mattia for his many great contributions over 28 years with Ferrari. Particularly for leading the team back to a position of competitiveness during this past year,” he said.
