Binotto Reflects on Ferrari’s Progress and Hamilton’s Signing

Binotto Reflects on Ferrari’s Progress and Hamilton’s Signing

Mattia Binotto, former Ferrari team principal and now COO and CTO of Sauber, recently shared his thoughts on the changes at Ferrari since his departure and the decision to sign Lewis Hamilton. Binotto, who led Ferrari until the end of the 2022 season, commented that his successor, Frederic Vasseur, has not made drastic changes to the team’s structure but has instead ensured continuity.

Speaking to Corriere della Sera, Binotto explained that Vasseur’s approach was focused on refining the existing framework rather than overhauling it. “Fred has maintained continuity with the project that was already in place. He hasn’t revolutionized a structured and functional organization, although he has made some decisions of his own,” said Binotto. He emphasized that Ferrari’s consistent progress reflects the team’s hard work over the years. “If Ferrari wins, I am happy because I know how much effort went into bringing the team to this level.”

One of the major changes under Vasseur’s leadership is the upcoming arrival of seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, who will join the team after leaving Mercedes. When asked whether he would have made the same decision, Binotto gave a candid response: “No.” However, he acknowledged that Hamilton made the right choice by moving to Ferrari, saying, “He made a good decision.”

Binotto elaborated on why he wouldn’t have pursued Hamilton for Ferrari. He explained that the team’s long-term strategy was focused on other drivers, particularly Charles Leclerc, who has been regarded as Ferrari’s star driver. “If Leclerc is the driver we believe in, then we need to guide him towards achieving his goals,” Binotto remarked, hinting that bringing in Hamilton might have disrupted the development path they had envisioned for Leclerc.

Reflecting on his tenure, Binotto acknowledged the challenges Ferrari faced during his leadership, especially in 2022. At the start of that season, Ferrari emerged as the only serious contender against Red Bull and Max Verstappen, with Leclerc showing great potential. However, a series of strategic errors significantly undermined their championship hopes.

Binotto’s time at Ferrari was marked by both praise and criticism. While the team demonstrated competitive performance in the early stages of 2022, it struggled to maintain consistency throughout the season. Ferrari’s strategic mistakes, such as misjudged pit stops and poor race management, were heavily criticized, and these setbacks ultimately cost them crucial points in the title fight.

His departure at the end of 2022 paved the way for Vasseur to take over as team principal. Under Vasseur’s leadership, Ferrari has focused on building continuity rather than drastic changes. Although Binotto’s tenure ended amid criticism, he maintains a positive outlook on the team’s current progress. “I am pleased to see Ferrari doing well because I know the amount of effort that has gone into the project,” Binotto concluded.

Binotto’s comments provide insight into Ferrari’s internal dynamics and the reasoning behind key driver decisions. While he believes in focusing on the development of younger talent like Leclerc, he recognizes that Hamilton’s move to Ferrari could bring benefits. His reflections suggest that Ferrari’s strategy revolves around long-term planning rather than quick fixes, with Leclerc positioned as the cornerstone of their future success.