Ferrari’s impressive 2022 start had all Formula 1 fans glued to their screens. It seemed almost like the team was ready to win its first championship since Kimi Raikkonen in 2007. Everyone seemed optimistic, and the hopes were high. But as fate would have it, it wasn’t a good ending for the Tifosi and the team. And the person who got the fans to rally behind him for years, waiting for the glory, was axed from his position after the disappointing end. And as per the belief of the majority, he was let go rightly so. The man was the team principal, Mattia Binotto.

The latest addition to the list of those approving the sacking is the former Ferrari driver and, legend, Felipe Massa. The Brazilian, who has driven under several managers, made a comment about the team’s decision to go back to Fred Vasseur and also shows no sympathy toward the sacking of Mattia Binotto.

As per Corriere dello Sport and quoted by Formulapassion.it, the 2008 runner-up said, “It was clear that there was confusion inside. It was normal for Mattia to pay for these mistakes in the end: very good, talented technician but the result did not come and his release was not a surprise.”

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The attacks against Binotto’s leadership have been rampant, with no signs of sympathy coming in from anywhere. The real test of Ferrari and the trial of Binotto’s innocence would be in 2023 under Fred Vasseur, which could possibly expose larger problems than just that of the team principal at Maranello.

Felipe Massa criticizes Ferrari’s mistakes

Massa had been at Ferrari for eight years, where he proved himself to be a formidable driver. During his tenure with Ferrari, Massa achieved 11 Grand Prix wins, 41 podium finishes, and 16 pole positions. So, one would always find it hard to discredit someone of his stature.

The driver, reflecting on his time at Ferrari, said, “In my eight years in Maranello I have seen everything, successes and difficult moments. Kimi Raikkonen won in 2007, I almost in 2008, then Ferrari never managed to have a winning car. Between aerodynamics, engine, strategy, drivers, something is always missing to complete the work.”

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The problem that Massa highlights here has been persistent since then at Ferrari, which has really tested the patience of the Tifosi. With a chance to cover up the deficit against Red Bull this year, the hopes are high once again. But the fans question, “How long before they give up again this year?”