Horner pays tribute to Binotto after all his work for Ferrari
The Ferrari team principal has tendered his resignation. According to Christian Horner, this must have been a very difficult decision. Mattia Binotto had been involved in Formula 1 for almost 30 years.
The role of team principal in Formula 1 represents a lot of responsibilities and stress. It takes on another dimension when it involves Ferrari, as this team resonates with an entire nation. A departure at the top of the hierarchy of the Italian manufacturer is always an event in the world of Formula 1. Christian Horner had spoken to Autosport about the current situation within the Italian camp during the FIA awards ceremony last December.
(I) I think, honestly towards Mattia, that he did a very good job producing a competitive car and engine for Ferrari. Obviously, they had their moment from an operational point of view. [Note: They were the best]. (F) For the Red Bull team director, Ferrari has been a significant opponent this season, and the work of Mattia Binotto at the helm of the Italian team has paid off with a return to the forefront of Scuderia Ferrari.
« I think they [Ferrari] had a faster car than us at the beginning of the season. But we were able to stay in touch and that was very, very important. Our championship consisted of 21 races, because we missed the first one with a double DNF. But we had to stay with them. And, for me, one of the crucial weekends was Imola with the sprint race, and then the victory, he explains.
For Horner, one of the psychologically tough moments for Ferrari was therefore the Red Bull double at Imola, on Ferrari’s home turf. Winning both races to finish 1-2 and beating Ferrari at home was, I think, a big psychological thing for us as a team, potentially for them as well.
The decision made by Mattia Binotto must have been very difficult, according to Christian Horner. The director of the Italian team brought the team back to success after difficult seasons in 2020 and 2021. He has been working in the racing department in Maranello since 1995 and has dedicated a significant part of his life to the success of the prancing horse in Formula 1. Unfortunately, the numerous strategic errors of this season will have overcome one of the pillars of the Scuderia Ferrari.
He dedicated a long period of his career and life to Ferrari, and I’m sure it must be very difficult for him to leave this team after all this time.
