Binotto describes his abrupt F1 exit as challenging, waiting for a compelling new project.
Mattia Binotto left Ferrari at the end of 2022, when Frédéric Vasseur was appointed to replace him. The Swiss then abruptly stepped away from the circuits, until his recent return to Stake F1. He acknowledges that this sudden departure was challenging.
“Very difficult. I think it’s not easy, because after 30 years, you might dream of finally having a vacation,” explains Binotto. “You might dream of having a few days off, to visit your family and stay with them, which was a great moment, I must say, and very helpful.”
“But to stop suddenly, after 28 years of always being at 100%, 120%, 24/7. It’s tough. I was already at home watching all the sessions, analyzing my data, trying to understand what was happening, reading the newspapers, reading what the journalists were writing.”
“Imagine how difficult it can be to make your own assessment! So no, it was hard, but I have passions. I think I made no compromises, even regarding the offers I received. I was really waiting for a project that would make me sign in two days, which shows the importance of the commitment to it.”
A “process” previously seen at Ferrari 30 years ago
Binotto will now be able to reorganize the Stake team, and then Audi F1, as he wishes. This reminds him of the work he did at Ferrari when the team was restructured following the arrival of Jean Todt, and before Michael Schumacher, Ross Brawn, and Rory Byrne.
“It’s great because I know I have a benchmark in mind. I think that will definitely help the project. Then, it’s about how to do it as quickly as possible.”
“Today, I see that the benchmark is clear. We’re setting our priorities, because you can’t do everything at once. It takes several years and, from my experience, I was fortunate to join Ferrari in 1995 and be part of that great period.”
“But I saw the process and took the time, 30 years ago, to hire very young people, to lay foundations, to have senior executives in the team, to create a team spirit, the mindset of a winning team, to improve.”
“There are so many things to do, which are fascinating and that I love. I was looking for a great challenge and I signed because the challenge is even bigger than I expected.”
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Binotto: ‘Two-Day Decision’ After F1 Departure Binotto: ‘Two-Day Decision’ After F1 Departure
