F1 Ferrari Confirmed that Maurizio Arrivabene stepped down as team principal and he will be replaced by Mattia Binotto.
According to Autosport, the long-lasting saga over who would lead the popular team has finally ended. Rumors regarding a rift between Arrivabene and his technical chief Binotto had been around for a long time with Ferrari now confirming that Binotto would assume the position immediately.
Official Statement
“After four years of untiring commitment and dedication, Maurizio Arrivabene is leaving the team,” read Ferrari’s statement. The decision was taken together with the company’s top management after lengthy discussions related to Maurizio’s long-term personal interests as well as those of the team itself.”
“Ferrari would like to thank Maurizio for his valuable contribution to the team’s increasing competitiveness over the past few years, and wish him the best for his future endeavours. With immediate effect, Mattia Binotto will take over as Scuderia Ferrari’s team principal. All technical areas will continue to report directly to Mattia,” the statement ended.
Track Record
Binotto has been technical chief in Ferrari since 2016 when he was assigned the role after the team went separate ways with James Allison. However, Binotto’s track record goes for a long time. He joined the company in 1995 and started off as a test engine engineer and he had the similar role for the race team from 1997 to 2003.
In 2009, Binotto became head of engine and KERS in 2009 only to become chief operating officer of the power unit division at the end of 2014. He had a crucial role in the performance boost Ferrari witnessed with its V6 turbo-hybrid engine.
Thanks to his efforts, the team became a title challenger against Mercedes in 2017 and 2018. As Binotto prepares for a new role, it is unclear at this point, who will be in charge of Ferrari’s technical department. Some of the potential names are aerodynamic chief Enrico Cardile and the head of Ferrari’s engine department Corrado Iotti.
Recap
With Arrivabene as the leader, Ferrari won 14 of 81 races, had 12 pole positions and scored 71 podiums. However, management errors are seen as crucial in 2018, which is why a new leadership was required for Ferrari.
