CONFIRMED: Mattia Binotto to Replace Arrivabene at Ferrari

According to various sourced in Italy, the Scuderia Ferrari team is in the middle of a massive overhaul. As it turns out, the entire management structure at the Maranello outfit has been rearranged ahead of the 2019 F1 season.

Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport reported on Monday that Team Principal Maurizio Arrivabene will will be stepping down. In his stead, Technical Director Mattia Binotto has been drafted in to replace him.

There were numerous talks of tensions between Arrivabene and Binotto last season. Things only intensified and spiralled out of control when it was clear that Ferrari’s title challenge had evaporated. The chances of a leadership change increased when John Elkann took over as Ferrari president. Elkann was appointed in the wake of Sergio Marchionne’s passing in late July.

Binotto has risen through the Ferrari ranks over the last two decades. Many have credited the Italian marquee’s power unit gains to him. Binotto took over as power unit Chief Operating Officer ahead of 2015.

The reports come after Ferrari again lost out to Mercedes in the battle for both drivers’ and constructors’ championships last year. All this was inspite of having the best package on the grid for the opening half of the season.

Ferrari lost their way with development after the summer break, allowing Mercedes to pull clear in the constructors’ race and Lewis Hamilton to beat Sebastian Vettel to clinch a fifth drivers’ crown.

La Gazzetta dello Sport said official confirmation of the move could come as early as Monday. Hopefully for the sake of the Italian team, this management reshuffle will work out. With drivers of Sebastian Vettel and Charles LeClerc’s calibre, another world championship should surely be on the way.