With the beginning of the New Year celebrations, Ferrari will most likely be without a boss. Mattia Binotto will resign as of December 31 and his successor will be chosen by the team after the New Year.
Mattia Binotto resigned on December 31 this year. The journalist Leo Turrini, who traditionally has good contacts in Maranello, came with the information about his end two weeks ago. Ferrari played down the speculation. “Regarding the speculation that has appeared in some media regarding the position of team principal Mattia Binota, Ferrari states that these are completely unfounded rumours.”
But it wasn’t such baseless rumours. Ferrari confirmed yesterday that Binotto is retiring.
Ferrari’s largest shareholder is the Exor company of the influential Italian Agnelli family. They bought the majority stake in Ferrari during Enzo Ferrari’s lifetime through the FIAT car company. A few years ago, the two companies were separated and Ferrari went public.
The Agnelli family also owns the football club Juventus, whose management has now resigned – only former Ferrari boss Maurizio Arrivabene remains temporarily.
Like oil and fire
“As Head of Racing, Binotto was Marchionne’s legacy,” Turrini told Calciomercato.
“The late Sergio did not have a general opinion of Arrivabene and he made his decision the way he made it. However, John Elkann never liked Binotto. They were like water and oil. And everyone knew it.’
According to Turrini, Binotto has his faults – for example, he is subject to delusions about his omnipotence.
“For example, Mattia should appear less and perform better in the media. However, he never had the support of his president when it came to the big issues. Have you ever heard anything from Elkann about Red Bull’s budget cap or the rules that favor Mercedes? Never nothing, zero.’
Binotto could head to Audi
“Ferrari is without a leader, the new team boss will come in January. As for Binotto, we will soon find him in the services of the competition. I know he is in talks with Audi, who will enter F1 in 2026. And we don’t know who will take over at Maranello.”
Let us remind you that Binotto is originally a motor mechanic and more than experienced. Audi is already developing its engine and a person with experience in F1 will definitely come in handy.
Regarding Binotto’s successor, the name of Frédéric Vasseur is most likely to be mentioned. “He’s French, just like the legendary Jean Todt, but they only share a passport. That is all.”
“We all know Arrivabene would love to walk back to Ferrari to celebrate his great revenge when he was sacked to make way for Binotto. But how to do it?”
Between Juventus and Maranello
“Look, I’ve been saying here for years that Andrea Agnelli would be a great fit for Ferrari president. He has passion, he worked for the Reds as a boy, he won a lot with Juventus. But…”
The “but” that Turrini mentions are precisely Juventus’ problems. “There’s the ugly story about the stock market and finance. Ferrari is also listed. How can you move Andrea Agnelli to Maranello? Or bring back Maurizio Arrivabene?’
