Mattia Binotto, the former Ferrari team principal, is rumored to be making a return to Formula One. It’s been almost a year and a half since he left, and now a struggling team is reportedly considering bringing him on board.
Binotto’s exit from Ferrari at the end of 2022 marked the end of his 28-year stint with the iconic team. Officially, it was said to be an amicable split, but whispers behind closed doors suggested otherwise. Binotto, who joined Ferrari in 1995 as an engine engineer, worked his way up to become team principal in January 2019. His appointment was seen as a strategic move to leverage his extensive technical knowledge to revive Ferrari’s former glory.
Despite initial optimism and a strong start in 2019, Ferrari’s inconsistency and strategic errors saw them lag behind Mercedes. The 2020 season was particularly tough, with Ferrari’s car suffering significant performance issues, especially around the power unit. An FIA investigation into Ferrari’s 2019 power unit led to a confidential settlement and subsequent technical directives that further impacted their performance. The team ended up sixth in the Constructors’ Championship, marking one of the worst seasons in Ferrari’s history.
In an attempt to rebuild, Binotto initiated a major restructuring of the team, focusing on long-term development and technical overhauls. He brought in Carlos Sainz to replace Sebastian Vettel for the 2021 season, pairing him with Charles Leclerc. This new line-up showed promise, and the team made notable progress, finishing third in the Constructors’ Championship.
Despite these efforts, in December 2022, Binotto announced his resignation. His tenure was a mixed bag; while he introduced important reforms and had a clear technical vision, Ferrari’s results remained underwhelming.
With his gardening leave now completed, rumors of Binotto’s return are gaining momentum. Italian sports daily La Gazzetta dello Sport has linked him with Aston Martin, especially after his visit to their hospitality facility at Imola where he supposedly held talks with officials. However, Binotto has also been spotted in various pit lanes, fueling speculations about his involvement with other teams, including Alpine and Audi.
Aston Martin’s current struggles add weight to the rumors. The team has slipped down the ranks this season, and owner Lawrence Stroll is reportedly considering options to boost their performance. While it’s unclear what role Binotto might take, possibilities include replacing Mike Krack as team principal or taking on a more senior position within the company.
The F1 world is buzzing with the possibility of Mattia Binotto’s return. Whether he ends up at Aston Martin or elsewhere, his experience and technical expertise could make a significant impact on whichever team he joins.
