Ferrari have confirmed that Mattia Binotto will leave the team as of December 31st this year, after accepting his resignation.

Speculation over Binotto had been rife around the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend and, though the Scuderia moved to say reports that he was going to be leaving the team, by firing or resignation, were just rumours, the chatter persisted.

Indeed, with the off-season now in full swing, news has indeed broken that Binotto will be leaving after a near 30-year association with them, at the end of the current calendar year.

A statement from the team read:

"Ferrari announces that it has accepted the resignation of Mattia Binotto who will leave his role as Scuderia Ferrari Team Principal on December 31," before adding, "The process is underway to identify Scuderia Ferrari’s new Team Principal and is expected to be finalised in the new year."

Binotto oversaw a 2022 campaign that, to begin with, had Ferrari as title contenders.

Their great early form tailed off, though, with reliability issues and some strategy mistakes creeping in, allowing Max Verstappen and Red Bull to run away with both championships.

Speaking after tendering his resignation, Binotto had this to say:

“With the regret that this entails, I have decided to conclude my collaboration with Ferrari.

"I am leaving a company that I love, which I have been part of for 28 years, with the serenity that comes from the convinction that I have made every effort to achieve the objectives set. I leave a united and growing team.

Charles Leclerc in Brazil GP qualifying
SAO PAULO, BRAZIL - NOVEMBER 11: Charles Leclerc of Monaco driving the (16) Ferrari F1-75 on track during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Brazil at Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace on November 11, 2022 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)

SAO PAULO, BRAZIL - NOVEMBER 11: Charles Leclerc of Monaco driving the (16) Ferrari F1-75 on track during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Brazil at Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace on November 11, 2022 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)

"A strong team, ready, I’m sure, to achieve the highest goals, to which I wish all the best for the future. I think it is right to take this step at this time as hard as this decision has been for me. I would like to thank all the people at the Gestione Sportiva who have shared this journey with me, made up of difficulties but also of great satisfaction.”

Alfa Romeo's Frederic Vasseur has been touted as a potential successor to Binotto at Ferrari, but time will ultimately tell as to who takes on one of the biggest jobs in motorsport.


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