Formula 1 is enjoying the resurgence of Ferrari this season with Charles Leclerc storming away in the Drivers' standings, and Mattia Binotto has revealed that the Prancing Horse's greatest ever driver has influenced him as he aims to lead the team to championship glory.

Seeing Ferrari back at the front of the field and involved in both title fights is something that will bring a smile to any F1 fan's face and it really does look as though the Scuderia have every chance of taking both crowns this season, even at this early stage.

Binotto, as Team Principal, deserves huge credit for galvanising and motivating his team, then, especially with him overseeing a turnaround in performance and results after a tough year back in 2020.

He's revealed, though, that working with Michael Schumacher has helped him become the leader he is today, with the German great arriving at a Ferrari team that had not won a championship in nearly two decades at the time, and eventually driving it to become a sporting dynasty in the early 00s.

Reflecting on that time when he was working in the engine department, Binotto recalled:

“It was a fantastic time. I’m proud to have been part of it,” said Binotto in an interview with Bild.

“And not only that: I learned a lot from him [Schumacher]. I picked up this mentality and ability to be a leader from him. I will never forget that.”

Michael Schumacher celebrates winning for Ferrari

Schumacher was obviously an immensely talented driver but to succeed in F1 you need to build a team around you and motivate everyone to be pulling the same way.

Few, if any, have done that in the sport to the level that Michael did and that, coupled with his obvious speed, made him formidable at his peak.

Binotto now leads the team, of course, and if he can deliver their first world championship since the late 00s he will be one of the most popular people in Italy.