Many names linked with ousted Binotto's Ferrari top F1 job
Nov.29 - Ross Brawn put a swift halt to rumours his next move could be to replace Ferrari's soon-to-be-ousted team boss Mattia Binotto.
Although the initial rumours of Binotto's demise were denied by the Maranello team, they are back with a vengeance this week in authoritative Italian specialist publications.
"After Abu Dhabi, there were no talks between Binotto and top management, reaffirming his isolation," writes Luigi Perna in the highly respected La Gazzetta dello Sport.
"The terms and extent of Binotto's severance, as he had a contract that expired at the end of 2023, are yet to be defined."
It is believed the favourite to replace Binotto is Frederic Vasseur, currently the boss at Alfa Romeo but with strong ties to Charles Leclerc's manager Nicholas Todt.
Reports indicate that McLaren's Andreas Seidl and even Christian Horner, the ultra-successful Red Bull team principal, were approached but turned down the role.
Stefano Mancini, a journalist for La Stampa newspaper, says Vasseur "remains a candidate" although Benedetto Vigna - Ferrari CEO - could be installed as an interim team boss.
So too is Binotto's 2022 deputy Laurent Mekies.
Yet another rumour is that Ferrari chairman John Elkann is yet to accept Binotto's letter of resignation while he searches for the ideal successor.
One Italian source said Binotto is already linked with at least four job offers elsewhere in pitlane, including Alpine and Aston Martin.
La Stampa's Mancini, meanwhile, thinks Ferrari may have approached the newly-retired former F1 managing director Ross Brawn - Maranello's ultra-successful past technical boss.
In his parting message on Formula 1's official website, 68-year-old Brawn denied suggestions he might return to team management.
"I'd moved away from wanting to be part of a team - I decided I'd done enough of that," the Briton, who won the 2009 constructors' world championship as owner of his own team, said.
"This was the only thing that could have possibly appealed. Now is the right time for me to retire," Brawn added.
No matter what happens next at Ferrari, it is clear the team is anxious about making changes in order to make better use of its next competitive opportunity.
"We've made some improvements and this pleases me," said Ferrari CEO Vigna. "But second is the first of the losers and I'm not happy with how the world championship ended.
"But I also think the team has what it takes in order to be able to improve over time."
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Mmmmm everyone got asked except me, that was a mistake, even i would turn them down now Vasseur has other commercial interests, the role needs someone on it FULL time, please please not another Italian, no offence but they couldn't win a rigged raffle, Maybe theyve asked Christian , but Suzie thought with her accent the Italians wouldnt understand a word she was saying,so no change there then
Tough decision to find someone capable of mucking it up worse than Curly. Ferrari CEO would be a good start. Curly to AM?, great idea. Make him chief strategist.
So I won't be able to play 'Where's Wally' in 2023? Damn it!
He should've gone a couple of years ago and not just him. They really need to sort the internal team out.
Oh no Andy , you'll definitely still be able to play Wheres Wally that I can guarantee
Can't believe they ousted the guy that brought them back to the top!
They clearly don't want to win another F1 title...
Np , if they've asked all suitable/better candidates already,which they will have done , then yes he should stay , odd solution but if No One better wants the job, bung him a couple of free Ferrari road cars, up his red wine allowance and stick with him, next yrs car is ready, well it better be....
NP, I'm going to be charitable and assume you are being sarcastic. Curly and the Gang (new rock group) should have been gassed 2-3 years ago. They took an excellent car, excellent drivers and did their best to lose even 2d place to a porpoise.
Ror I hope you don't mind, I've sent your C.V (Amended by yours truly ) to Marinello, so expect a call from them very soon, your the guy for the job 100% . just don't mention my name OK
Only if you'll be my Chief Strategist and Susan will run the PR dept. I've got the Canadian down to ramrod the shop.
That seems fair enough, will I be able to shout at Charlie when he totals the car for no reason?
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