Tracing the trajectory of Mattia Binotto, an Italian engineer and strategic mind behind Scuderia Ferrari’s recent F1 successes, from his early days to his eventual resignation in 2022.
Born on November 3, 1969, in Lausanne, Switzerland, Mattia Binotto is an Italian automotive designer and engineer. He spent over two decades in the engine department of Scuderia Ferrari in Formula 1, ascending to the role of Technical Director in 2016 and then taking over as Director of Sporting Management in 2019. Following the 2022 season, where Scuderia finished second in both the constructors’ and drivers’ championships with Charles Leclerc, Binotto resigned from his position.
Binotto, a graduate of the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) with a degree in mechanical engineering in 1994, furthered his education with a master’s in automotive engineering in Modena. Joining Scuderia Ferrari’s test team in 1995, he quickly climbed the ranks to become an engineer by 1997. In 2004, he moved to the engine department, where, by 2007, he was a key figure in assembling engines and electronics, especially with the introduction of the kinetic energy recovery system in Formula 1. By the end of 2014, after a challenging season introducing the new V6 turbo-hybrid engine, Binotto was named the main director of the engine department.
Binotto’s Rise and Fall in F1: Ferrari’s Crucial Era
2015 marked a turnaround for Ferrari’s engine performance and power, significantly attributed to Binotto’s efforts, leading to the team’s resurgence. Following a season start in 2016 marred by reliability issues and the departure of Technical Director James Allison, Maurizio Arrivabene appointed Binotto as the new Technical Director for Scuderia.
In January 2019, Binotto stepped up as the Director of Sporting Management for Scuderia Ferrari, replacing Maurizio Arrivabene. That year, his contributions were pivotal in Charles Leclerc’s first two victories and Sebastian Vettel’s last with the team, before facing scrutiny by the FIA over a controversial engine.
Despite enduring the team’s worst season since 1980 in 2020, finishing sixth in the championship, Binotto retained his position to prepare for significant regulatory changes in 2022.
As the creator of the Ferrari F1-75, he observed the team’s promising start to the 2022 season until Red Bull Racing overtook them. Ultimately, even after securing second places in both the drivers’ and constructors’ championships, the team compelled Binotto to resign on November 29, 2022, after his four-year tenure.
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