Ex-Ferrari Boss Binotto Explains Ex-Ferrari Boss Binotto Explains

Ex-Ferrari Boss Binotto Explains Why He Wouldn’t Have Signed Lewis Hamilton

Former Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto revealed he would not have signed Lewis Hamilton during his tenure at Ferrari. In February, the Italian team surprised the racing world by securing the seven-time world champion on a two-year contract, reportedly worth $65 million per season. Hamilton, leaving Mercedes after 12 years, will replace Carlos Sainz and join Charles Leclerc at Ferrari.

Binotto, who led Ferrari between 2019 and 2022, shared his perspective in an interview with Corriere della Sera. He explained that under his management, Ferrari had focused on other drivers, particularly Leclerc. “If the talent is Leclerc, he is the one who should be guided to the goal,” Binotto stated. Despite his reluctance to sign Hamilton, Binotto acknowledged that joining Ferrari was the right move for the British driver.

Leclerc, who came through Ferrari’s driver academy and debuted in Formula 1 in 2018 with Alfa Romeo, quickly earned a spot with the Scuderia. Although the 26-year-old driver has only finished in the top three of the drivers’ standings once since joining Ferrari, he recently extended his contract, cementing his future with the team.

Rather than being intimidated by Hamilton’s arrival, Leclerc views it as an exciting challenge. In an August interview with Autosport, Leclerc expressed enthusiasm about competing alongside the legendary driver. “When a seven-time world champion joins the team, it’s motivating and inspiring. I’m eager to learn from one of the best ever and prove myself in the same car,” Leclerc said. He also disclosed that he was aware early on that both Hamilton and Ferrari were eager to finalize the move.

Current Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur confirmed that Leclerc had encouraged Ferrari to pursue Hamilton. “Charles was supportive, and that motivated me to push for the signing,” Vasseur said in an interview with Formu1a.uno. He emphasized that while drivers might not be friends, having a shared vision and intelligent collaboration is key.

Vasseur’s first season at Ferrari has brought mixed results. Leclerc claimed victories in Monaco and at Monza, while Sainz, a driver Binotto brought to Ferrari, won the Australian Grand Prix. However, Ferrari has struggled to match the pace of McLaren, which now challenges Red Bull for the fastest car on the grid. With Leclerc currently sitting third in the drivers’ standings, 86 points behind Max Verstappen, Ferrari trails McLaren by 75 points in the constructors’ championship.

Meanwhile, Hamilton has already found success this season, winning the British Grand Prix and being awarded victory in Belgium after teammate George Russell’s disqualification. Despite Hamilton’s achievements, Ferrari’s inconsistency has left some questioning the impact of Vasseur’s leadership.

Binotto, now leading Audi’s Formula 1 project, reflected on Ferrari’s progress. He praised Vasseur for maintaining continuity in the team’s structure while also contributing new ideas. “Fred has wisely preserved a well-established organization. If Ferrari wins, I’ll be happy, knowing the team’s effort and the foundation we built,” Binotto said.

Hamilton’s move to Ferrari represents a significant shift, but the team hopes that his experience and partnership with Leclerc will propel them back to the top of the sport.