Fred Vasseur, Ferrari Formula 1 team principal, appreciated Mattia Binotto, former team boss, for smooth transition. He praised Binotto for walking him through the team during handover.
Last year, Binotto concluded his decades old relationship with the F1 team with a resignation. He resigned citing lack of support from the Ferrari’s Chairman and CEO, John Elkann and Benedetto Vigna respectively.
Binotto also expressed his ‘regret’ that the relationship ended this way while the team was on the up. However, it appears he made sure of smooth on boarding of the new team principal, Vasseur.
The Frenchman did not shy away from praising his predecessor, while speaking to media. He acknowledged his support during the transition period, which went pretty straightforward.
“The process was crystal clear,” explained Vasseur. “Even if we had some rumours into the press during Abu Dhabi [Grand Prix weekend], we didn’t discuss before. We had the first discussion the week after Abu Dhabi and it was very, very quick as a process.
“Then I had a call with Mattia, and I even met Mattia during the handover. And we had a one-to-one discussion.
“It was thanks to Mattia for this. Because I appreciated the move from Mattia to stay, to wait for me, and to discuss together.”
Vassuer left no stone unturned to understand the challenges awaiting at his new role of Ferrari’s team principal. He revealed his plan to consult former boss, Jean Todt.
Todt famously led Ferrari through its glorious era with Michael Schumacher in early 2000s. He later became the president at Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile.
“For sure, I’ve had some discussions with Jean. Because he’s stayed close to the F1 world,” explained Vasseur.
“We exchanged [messages] by WhatsApp a couple of weeks ago, and I will meet him soon. All the advice is welcome, for sure, but I think it’s also quite difficult today to compare the situation of ‘94, ‘95, and 2022.”
Todt left his role at FIA last year, which resulted in claims that he might return as a consultant. Vassuer made clear that there is no such consideration at the time.
“I’ve known Jean for now more than 20 years,” added Vasseur. “He was never far away from me in my professional life.
“I think it makes sense for me to discuss with him, but it’s not a matter to be a consultant. I’m considering Jean as a close relationship and nothing else.”
