Briatore backs Ferrari decision to ditch Arrivabene

Former Benetton and Renault team principal Flavio Briatore believes that Ferrari has made a wise move by replacing Maurizio Arrivabene as team principal at the team. Mattia Binotto is set to fill the role having been technical chief at the team since 2016.

As reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport, an announcement that Ferrari has appointed Binotto is imminent and the former Renault boss believes it could get them back to winning ways.

Speaking to Italian news outlet Adnkronos, Briatore said Ferrari had done the right thing by bringing in change having missed out on a title they will feel they should have won.

"This year Ferrari had what it takes to win the championship and did not do it," Briatore explained.

"When you do not win, things have to change and I imagine that those who drive the Scuderia di Maranello have thought in this way.

"Binotto did an excellent job as technical director, last year Ferrari had a very good car, very fast and with a different management of the drivers could bring the world championship home.

"We will see what work he will do as a team principal, certainly I do not think he will have the dual role of team principal and technical director."

Binotto was rumoured to be late Ferrari boss Sergio Marchionne's choice as team principal before his passing last year and had begun to make moves to appoint the technical boss and remove Arrivabene from the role.