Ex-F1 boss believes Binotto the right man to lead Ferrari

Ex-Minardi team owner Giancarlo Minardi believes that the appointment of Mattia Binotto as Ferrari team principal will serve as a step forward for the team. Ferrari announced earlier in the week on Monday that Maurizio Arrivabene would be replaced by the technical chief Binotto.

Speaking to Minardi.it, the former F1 boss explained why he thought the appointment was a positive change for the Prancing Horse having missed out on a world championship in 2018.

"I fully agree with Ferrari’s decision since I have a lot of faith in Mattia Binotto as a technician and the results have confirmed it. He comes from the Ross Brawn school that gave Ferrari incredible results together with (Jean) Todt and (Michael) Schumacher.”

Despite the huge news, Minardi is of the belief that further change could be set for the Italian marque ahead of the 2019 season.

“I do not believe the changes are over and the next two weeks will be crucial. It seems like a return to the past. The arrival of Laurent Mekies is a very positive signal and he could be an important partner in the role of Sporting Director.

"I know Laurent very well since he comes from the Minardi School before going to Toro Rosso and then to the FIA. He knows the Federation’s regulations and environment and this is a good sign for the future.”

The first test for Binotto will be to encourage his team and lead driver after a bitterly disappointing campaign last season. The Italian explained that the first job will be to change the mentality of the team.

“He will have a specific and not easy commitment of managing Sebastian Vettel who has to be recovered after a complicated season and who will have to find the strength to set aside 2018’s negativity.”