Mattia Binotto has never been a universally liked figure within Formula 1, and it’s clear there are still unresolved issues between him and Ferrari.
The 56-year-old started with the team in 1995 and slowly moved up the ranks thanks to his technical background. He took over as team principal in 2019, replacing Maurizio Arrivabene, but his tenure only lasted until 2022.
During Binotto’s time in charge, Ferrari struggled to become title contenders. The team fell short against Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes in 2019, then slipped even further in 2020, finishing sixth without a single win – their worst result since 1973.
Binotto managed to help Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz to four wins in 2022, but by then, internal tensions had already eroded confidence in his leadership. The relationship between him and the board continued to deteriorate throughout his time at the helm.
Mattia Binotto sideswiped by Ferrari in F1 paddock snub
Now working with Audi, the 56-year-old still has a real soft spot for his old team. Watching them finish fourth without a single win left him frustrated in 2025.
But that respect isn’t mutual. According to journalist Keman Sengul, speaking via Motorsport Turkiye, Binotto doesn’t get much notice from Ferrari, and he’s not exactly a popular figure around the paddock.
“Well, Mattia Binotto is a bit of an odd one,” Sengul said. “I’ve actually had the chance to see him in the paddock. I don’t think he’s the sort of person who gets on very well with those around him.
“Ferrari, when I walk past the Ferrari garage, no one looks at Binotto, nor have I ever seen him enter the Ferrari garage. He doesn’t have many friends.
“In my opinion, he isn’t exactly a popular figure in the paddock either. Well, of course, the reasons for this might lie in his own character and demeanour.
“Audi really values him right now because of his technical expertise, and it seems he’s steering the team in the right direction. But getting along with him doesn’t seem all that easy. We saw this most recently in Jonathan Wheatley’s case.”
Jonathan Wheatley’s departure leaves Mattia Binotto at the helm of Audi
Jonathan Wheatley’s move to Aston Martin means Mattia Binotto will step in as team principal, ahead of the 2026 Japanese Grand Prix. Reports surrounding the departure seem to fit the ongoing narrative that Binotto isn’t the easiest figure to work with inside a Formula 1 paddock.
The two reportedly never saw eye-to-eye, and there were even suggestions that Wheatley’s appointment had happened without any real coordination with Binotto himself.
With Wheatley out of the picture, everything now falls on Binotto. His experience could be a valuable asset for Audi, especially as they look to establish themselves in F1.
But even with all his experience, working relationships have never been his strong suit. The question now is whether he can turn things around and deliver results for Audi.
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