Following Binotto’s resignation, Ferrari announces a new team principal.
Frederic Vasseur has been named as Ferrari’s new Formula 1 Team Principal, succeeding Mattia Binotto, the company stated.
On Tuesday morning, Vasseur departed Alfa Romeo after six seasons in order to assume the position that Binotto has occupied in Maranello since 2019.
John Elkann and Benedetto Vigna, the owners of Ferrari, were not happy with Binotto’s failure to spearhead a consistent title challenge in 2022, and he submitted his resignation following the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Ferrari moved swiftly to replace him with Vasseur, who was also briefly in command of the Renault (now Alpine) team in 2016. On January 9th, 2023, he will become a team principal and general manager at Ferrari.
This implies that Vasseur will have fewer corporate responsibilities and that a managing director or CEO will be appointed to succeed him, as Binotto had previously held both positions.
Vasseur managed the victorious ART Grand Prix team in GP2, assisting drivers such as Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg in winning the series in 2005 and 2006, respectively, prior to his tenure in Formula One.
Vasseur responds to the Ferrari meeting
In a team release, Vasseur said, I am really happy and privileged to take over the leadership of Scuderia Ferrari as Team Principal.
I have a lifelong passion for motorsports, and Ferrari has always been the pinnacle of the racing world in my eyes.
I am excited to work with the talented and genuinely passionate team in Maranello to honor the Scuderia’s history and heritage while providing for our Tifosi worldwide.
Vasseur has combined his technical strengths as a qualified engineer with a consistent ability to bring out the best in his drivers and teams, according to Ferrari CEO Vigna, who also lauded the driver.
In addition, he said, We need this strategy and his leadership to propel Ferrari forward with a newfound vitality.
Vasseur had previously collaborated closely with driver Charles Leclerc in junior formats and throughout the Monegasque’s rookie season at Sauber in 2018.
Reacting to speculation that Vasseur would take over at last week’s FIA prize ceremony, Leclerc remained adamant that their friendship shouldn’t play a role in the appointment process.
Leclerc said, I can only speak to my experience with Fred, which has obviously been positive. We worked together already in the junior categories when he had faith in me.
Our positive relationship has always existed, but it shouldn’t affect any of the choices. I admire that about Fred—he’s always been very honest and genuine.
