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Wreaking Vengeance for Ferrari’s “Gardening” Sentence, Mattia Binotto Concocts Mischievous Plan to Resurrect Alpine

Published 08/11/2023, 5:45 AM EDT

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Speculation is rife that Mattia Binotto might be making a significant move. After his stint with Ferrari, whispers are circulating about Binotto, potentially taking the reins at Alpine. Following his departure from Ferrari after a tumultuous season, Binotto was poised to step away from the fast-paced world of F1, as he had a “gardening leave” clause in his Ferrari contract that prevented him from joining another F1 team. But it seems Binotto is returning sooner than expected.

“Gardening leave” refers to a period of a mandatory hiatus in that individuals, during this hiatus, are prohibited from engaging with competitors or pursuing roles that could compromise their former employer’s interests. Amidst the aftermath of his departure from Ferrari, rumors began to swirl about Binotto’s potential involvement with Alpine. The former Ferrari team principal is rumored to be first in line for the Alpine team’s top seat, with potential plans to infuse Renault’s engine development with a touch of Ferrari’s technical mastery.

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The recent upheaval within the Alpine team had sent shockwaves across the F1 community. Otmar Szafnauer, Alan Permane, and Pat Fry were ousted in a sweeping reorganization effort. Amidst this shakeup, the spotlight is now on Mattia Binotto. As rumors swirl, there’s a possibility that Binotto might not arrive alone. The whispers suggest, “Mattia Binotto is reportedly first on the list to become next Alpine team principal. There are also rumours he could bring specialist technicians from Ferrari – to assist Renault’s engine development.” Is this the redemption that Binotto seeks or just a strategic move?

But will Mattia Binotto’s stored experience and a potential entourage of Ferrari engineers be the catalyst that propels Alpine to new heights?

Mattia Binotto’s potential could be a transformative asset

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Binotto’s tenure at Ferrari might not have culminated in championship glory, yet his decades-spanning journey from engineer to team principal carries a treasure trove of experience. This invaluable wealth of knowledge could be precisely what Alpine needs to bridge the gap between their Enstone and Viry factories, marrying engineering acumen with effective leadership.

via Reuters

The prospect of Binotto steering Alpine is buoyed by his anticipated return after a regulated six-month hiatus. Alpine could tap into Binotto’s mastery of Ferrari’s V6 engines, potentially infusing Renault technology with newfound prowess. Despite his mixed track record, optimism abounds around Binotto’s potential impact on Alpine. With the Renault CEO harboring high expectations, Binotto’s appointment could herald a new era for the team, one where his multifaceted expertise guides Alpine toward a brighter future.

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WATCH THIS STORY: Ryan Reynolds & Rob McElhenney Invested $0 to Acquire 24% Stake in Alpine F1 as Wrexham Masterplan Continues to Pay Dividends

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Written by:

Vidhita

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Vidhita is an F1 writer at EssentiallySports. Driven by her deep passion for motorsports and a love for the exhilaration of speed. Since 2016, she has been captivated by the world of F1 after watching a race with a relative, and her fascination has only grown stronger over the years.
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Edited by:

Varunkumaar Chelladurai