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Amid $3,000,000 Complications, Mattia Binotto’s Move to Alpine Served Brutal Blow After Shocking Revelation

Published 09/02/2023, 9:30 AM EDT

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The Formula 1 circus has set its camp in Monza, but this time, the drivers aren’t the only talk of the town. While the on-track action heats up, the paddock is buzzing with market-related matters. The biggest headline? The intriguing developments around Mattia Binotto and his potential move to Alpine, now facing significant complications. That is on top of the already well-known $3,000,000 keeping-quiet contract from Ferrari which was thought to be the major reason Binotto to Alpine not happening.

For weeks, it seemed all but confirmed: after Otmar Szafnauer’s dramatic exit from Alpine due to the team’s unsatisfactory performance, Mattia Binotto, the ex-Ferrari boss, was touted as his most likely successor. Many believed that negotiations between Binotto and Renault (Alpine’s parent company) had reached an advanced stage. However, a shocking revelation has put a spanner in the works!

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British journalist Joe Saward offers a different perspective in his recent blog post. According to Formula Passion, Saward hints that Binotto might be more irked than intrigued by these rumors, especially since no formal contact seems to have been made by Alpine’s management. On top of that, he still is serving his gardening leave contract worth $3,000,000 since his exit from Maranello. Though these discussions might emerge over the Monza weekend, nothing is set in stone.

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All in all, the saga surrounding Alpine’s leadership paints a vivid picture of a team in flux. At a time when many outfits are solidifying their plans, Alpine’s journey is proving to be unpredictable and full of twists.

By the Italian GP now, it all should have been official as per the early speculations about Binotto & Alpine. It could have been a perfect return for the ex-Ferrari boss at his former team’s home GP. Regardless, Mattia has turned up at Monza like he was spotted a few times earlier this season prior to the summer break.

A familiar face in the Monza paddock: Former Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto returns

The former Scuderia Ferrari team principal was recently spotted in the paddock. Binotto’s history with Ferrari is not just as a team principal; he is woven into the very fabric of the Scuderia legend. Joining the prestigious team back in 1995, he initially became an invaluable asset in the engine department. With his engineering prowess, he played an instrumental role in Ferrari’s ascendancy, particularly during the era when Michael Schumacher dominated the tracks, clinching multiple world championships.

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Yet, Monza isn’t the first time Binotto has been seen in the paddocks this year. Earlier in 2023, he made a surprise appearance at Silverstone. These visits raise inevitable questions: Is he contemplating a return to Formula 1, albeit in a different capacity? Or is he merely relishing the sport as a spectator, free from the pressures of leadership?

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Whatever the reason, his presence surely adds another layer of intrigue to an already thrilling season. As cars roar on the track, the sidelines seem equally poised with potential narratives, reminding us once again of the beauty and unpredictability of Formula 1.

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Written by:

Pulkit Jai

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Pulkit is an F1 writer at EssentiallySports. With a strong academic background in engineering, he possesses an in-depth understanding of the intricate mechanics and technology driving Formula 1 racing. This expertise allows him to offer insightful analysis, exploring the technical aspects of the sport and shedding light on the innovative advancements that shape the world of F1.
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Edited by:

Aishwary Gaonkar