Mattia Binotto has resigned as team principal of Ferrari after 28 years with the Formula 1 team.
The 53-year-old was in charge of the sport's most iconic marque for a little under four years, after taking over at the beginning of 2019 from previous team boss Maurizio Arrivabene. But that spell has come to an end, in the wake of a season in which the Italian team flattered to deceive.
After one of the lowest points in Ferrari's history, when the team finished sixth in the constructors' championship in 2020, Binotto oversaw the creation of a car which was capable of challenging for silverware in 2022. But strategy errors and a lack of reliability cost them and allowed Red Bull to run away with both titles.
Binotto came under increasing pressure throughout the year, and reports emerged in November that the team was considering replacing him for next season. But instead of being sacked, the Italian chose to resign and leave on his own terms. He will leave his role at the end of 2022.
“With the regret that this entails, I have decided to conclude my collaboration with Ferrari. I am leaving a company that I love, which I have been part of for 28 years, with the serenity that comes from the convinction that I have made every effort to achieve the objectives set," Binotto said.
"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.”
Ferrari are yet to announce his replacement, though Frederic Vasseur is believed to be the front-runner for the job. The experienced Frenchman is currently team principal at Alfa Romeo, but his future there is uncertain with Sauber set to link up with German manufacturer Audi in the coming years.
Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna added: "I would like to thank Mattia for his many great contributions over 28 years with Ferrari and particularly for leading the team back to a position of competitiveness during this past year.
"As a result, we are in a strong position to renew our challenge, above all for our amazing fans around the world, to win the ultimate prize in motorsport. Everyone here at the Scuderia and in the wider Ferrari community wishes Mattia well for the future.”
Ferrari ended the 2022 season in second in the constructors' championship between Red Bull, with Charles Leclerc also coming in second behind world champion Max Verstappen.
