Former Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto will lead Audi's Formula One project from August&nbsp;1 with bosses Oliver Hoffmann and Andreas Seidl leaving in a major management shake-up announced on Tuesday. The German manufacturer said Binotto had been appointed Chief Operating and Chief Technical Officer at Swiss-based Sauber Motorsport, whose entry will become the factory Audi team in 2026 when the sport enters a new engine era.

Binotto will have "responsibility and accountability for the operative management and sporting success of the racing team," Audi added. Hoffmann previously had overall responsibility for the project as chairman of the Boards of Directors of all Sauber companies while former McLaren principal Seidl was CEO of Sauber Motorsport and effectively ran the team.

"I am delighted that we have been able to recruit Mattia Binotto for our ambitious Formula One project," said Audi CEO Gernot Doellner in a statement. "With his extensive experience of more than 25 years in Formula One, he will undoubtedly be able to make a decisive contribution for Audi."

Swiss-educated Binotto joined Ferrari in 1995 and was appointed principal of the Italian team in 2019. He resigned in November 2022, after another disappointing season for the sport's oldest and most successful team, and was replaced at Maranello by Fred Vasseur, who was previously at Sauber.

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Seidl was appointed in December 2022 as Vasseur's replacement but the Swiss team have endured speculation about Audi's intentions and the possibility of terminating the project. Audi, which is making its own F1 power unit in Neuburg in Bavaria and said last March it would take 100% ownership of Sauber, declared in Tuesday's statement that preparations were "going full speed ahead".

The carmaker said the decision to bring in Binotto was part of a realignment to ensure the autonomy and independence of the project.

"Our aim is to bring the entire Formula One project up to F1 speed by means of clear management structures, defined responsibilities, reduced interfaces, and efficient decision-making processes," said Doellner. "For this purpose, the team must be able to act independently and quickly."

Sauber are the only team yet to score a point in 13 races this season, with China's Guanyu Zhou and Finland's Valtteri Bottas facing an uncertain future beyond 2024. The Swiss team have already announced the signing of German driver Nico Hulkenberg from Haas and have been chasing Ferrari's Carlos Sainz, who is being replaced by seven-times world champion Lewis Hamilton next year.

The likelihood of Sainz joining Audi appeared to have waned recently, given uncertainty about the 2026 engine and Sauber's lack of form, with Renault-owned Alpine also increasingly interested. Alpine have also under-performed this season, however, and recently brought in former Renault team boss Flavio Briatore as a consultant.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.

Former Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto will lead Audi's Formula One project from August 1 with bosses Oliver Hoffmann and Andreas Seidl leaving in a major management shake-up announced on Tuesday.

Former Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto will lead Audi's Formula One project from August 1 with bosses Oliver Hoffmann and Andreas Seidl leaving in a major management shake-up announced on Tuesday. The German manufacturer said Binotto had been appointed Chief Operating and Chief Technical Officer at Swiss-based Sauber Motorsport, whose entry will become the factory Audi team in 2026 when the sport enters a new engine era. Binotto will have "responsibility and accountability for the operative management and sporting success of the racing team," Audi added. Hoffmann previously had overall responsibility for the project as chairman of the Boards of Directors of all Sauber companies while former McLaren principal Seidl was CEO of Sauber Motorsport and effectively ran the team. "I am delighted that we have been able to recruit Mattia Binotto for our ambitious Formula One project," said Audi CEO Gernot Doellner in a statement. "With his extensive experience of more than 25 years in Formula One, he will undoubtedly be able to make a decisive contribution for Audi." Swiss-educated Binotto joined Ferrari in 1995 and was appointed principal of the Italian team in 2019. He resigned in November 2022, after another disappointing season for the sport's oldest and most successful team, and was replaced at Maranello by Fred Vasseur, who was previously at Sauber. Also Read: Paris Olympics: Excluding boxing from LA Games 'would be a crime' - Australian boxers Seidl was appointed in December 2022 as Vasseur's replacement but the Swiss team have endured speculation about Audi's intentions and the possibility of terminating the project. Audi, which is making its own F1 power unit in Neuburg in Bavaria and said last March it would take 100% ownership of Sauber, declared in Tuesday's statement that preparations were "going full speed ahead". The carmaker said the decision to bring in Binotto was part of a realignment to ensure the autonomy and independence of the project. "Our aim is to bring the entire Formula One project up to F1 speed by means of clear management structures, defined responsibilities, reduced interfaces, and efficient decision-making processes," said Doellner. "For this purpose, the team must be able to act independently and quickly." Sauber are the only team yet to score a point in 13 races this season, with China's Guanyu Zhou and Finland's Valtteri Bottas facing an uncertain future beyond 2024. The Swiss team have already announced the signing of German driver Nico Hulkenberg from Haas and have been chasing Ferrari's Carlos Sainz, who is being replaced by seven-times world champion Lewis Hamilton next year. The likelihood of Sainz joining Audi appeared to have waned recently, given uncertainty about the 2026 engine and Sauber's lack of form, with Renault-owned Alpine also increasingly interested. Alpine have also under-performed this season, however, and recently brought in former Renault team boss Flavio Briatore as a consultant. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Mattia Binotto to lead Audi F1 team after Andreas Seidl and Oliver Hoffmann's exit in major overhaul

Ferrari&nbsp;Formula One boss Mattia Binotto has handed in his resignation and will leave at the end of the year, the championship runners-up said on Tuesday. The news came after considerable media speculation that the 53-year-old, whose contract was due to expire at the end of 2023, had lost top-level support after another failed title challenge.

"With the regret that this entails, I have decided to conclude my collaboration with&nbsp;Ferrari," the Italian sportscar manufacturer quoted Binotto as saying in a statement announcing his departure. "I am leaving a company that I love, which I have been part of for 28 years, with the serenity that comes from the conviction that I have made every effort to achieve the objectives set. "I leave a united and growing team. A strong team, ready, I’m sure, to achieve the highest goals, 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."

Ferrari&nbsp;said they had started the search for a replacement, likely to be finalised in the New Year. Italian media have suggested&nbsp;Ferrari&nbsp;Chief Executive Benedetto Vigna could take on the role on an interim basis. Frederic Vasseur, a Frenchman who runs Swiss-based Sauber and is the principal of the Alfa Romeo team, has also been touted as a likely successor.

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Ferrari&nbsp;made a strong start to this season after two years without a victory, but their hopes were dashed by mechanical unreliability, strategy errors and driver mistakes. Although the Maranello-based team won four races, with Charles Leclerc taking three victories and nine pole positions to Carlos Sainz's sole triumph, they were distant runners-up to dominant Red Bull and Max Verstappen.

Leclerc finished second overall, 146 points behind now double-world champion Verstappen. Binotto has spent his whole career at Maranello and was appointed team boss in January 2019, replacing Maurizio Arrivabene. The sport's oldest and most successful team, present in every championship season since the first in 1950, slumped to sixth overall in the 2020 constructors' standings but recovered to third in 2021.

Ferrari Formula One boss Mattia Binotto has handed in his resignation and will leave at the end of the year, the championship runners-up said on Tuesday. The news came after considerable media speculation that the 53-year-old, whose contract was due to expire at the end of 2023, had lost top-level support after another failed title challenge.

Ferrari Formula One boss Mattia Binotto has handed in his resignation and will leave at the end of the year, the championship runners-up said on Tuesday. The news came after considerable media speculation that the 53-year-old, whose contract was due to expire at the end of 2023, had lost top-level support after another failed title challenge. "With the regret that this entails, I have decided to conclude my collaboration with Ferrari," the Italian sportscar manufacturer quoted Binotto as saying in a statement announcing his departure. "I am leaving a company that I love, which I have been part of for 28 years, with the serenity that comes from the conviction that I have made every effort to achieve the objectives set. "I leave a united and growing team. A strong team, ready, I’m sure, to achieve the highest goals, 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." Ferrari said they had started the search for a replacement, likely to be finalised in the New Year. Italian media have suggested Ferrari Chief Executive Benedetto Vigna could take on the role on an interim basis. Frederic Vasseur, a Frenchman who runs Swiss-based Sauber and is the principal of the Alfa Romeo team, has also been touted as a likely successor. Also read: 'Best interest of the company': Juventus Chairman Andrea Agnelli resigns with entire board Ferrari made a strong start to this season after two years without a victory, but their hopes were dashed by mechanical unreliability, strategy errors and driver mistakes. Although the Maranello-based team won four races, with Charles Leclerc taking three victories and nine pole positions to Carlos Sainz's sole triumph, they were distant runners-up to dominant Red Bull and Max Verstappen. Leclerc finished second overall, 146 points behind now double-world champion Verstappen. Binotto has spent his whole career at Maranello and was appointed team boss in January 2019, replacing Maurizio Arrivabene. The sport's oldest and most successful team, present in every championship season since the first in 1950, slumped to sixth overall in the 2020 constructors' standings but recovered to third in 2021.

Mattia Binotto resigns as Ferrari F1 team boss, will leave at end of 2022

Ferrari dismissed as "totally without foundation" media reports in Italy on Tuesday that Formula One team boss Mattia Binotto was set to be replaced by Sauber's Frederic Vasseur after the end of the season.

The Corriere della Sera and Gazzetta dello Sport newspapers had suggested Frenchman Vasseur was being lined up to take over in January.

"In relation to speculation in certain media regarding Scuderia Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto's position, Ferrari states that these rumours are totally without foundation," the team said.

Ferrari have won four races in 2022 but their early season promise fell away due to mechanical unreliability, strategy errors and driver mistakes.

Red Bull have won both titles, with now double world champion Max Verstappen taking a record 14 wins in a single season.

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Ferrari are now in danger of dropping to third overall in the constructors' standings after this weekend's season-ending race in Abu Dhabi, with resurgent Mercedes 19 points behind.

Vasseur is principal of the Alfa Romeo team, operated by Swiss-based Sauber and which will become the Audi factory team in 2026.

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Binotto has spent his whole career at Maranello and was appointed team boss in January 2019, replacing Maurizio Arrivabene.

That change was flagged up by the Gazzetta in advance of the official announcement.

Ferrari dismissed as "totally without foundation" media reports in Italy on Tuesday that Formula One team boss Mattia Binotto was set to be replaced by Sauber's Frederic Vasseur after the end of the season.

Ferrari dismissed as "totally without foundation" media reports in Italy on Tuesday that Formula One team boss Mattia Binotto was set to be replaced by Sauber's Frederic Vasseur after the end of the season. The Corriere della Sera and Gazzetta dello Sport newspapers had suggested Frenchman Vasseur was being lined up to take over in January. "In relation to speculation in certain media regarding Scuderia Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto's position, Ferrari states that these rumours are totally without foundation," the team said. Ferrari have won four races in 2022 but their early season promise fell away due to mechanical unreliability, strategy errors and driver mistakes. Red Bull have won both titles, with now double world champion Max Verstappen taking a record 14 wins in a single season. Also Read: IN PICS | Preparations in Qatar for FIFA World Cup as final countdown begins Ferrari are now in danger of dropping to third overall in the constructors' standings after this weekend's season-ending race in Abu Dhabi, with resurgent Mercedes 19 points behind. Vasseur is principal of the Alfa Romeo team, operated by Swiss-based Sauber and which will become the Audi factory team in 2026. Also Read: Greg Norman must quit LIV role to end stalemate, says No. 1 ranked Rory McIlroy Binotto has spent his whole career at Maranello and was appointed team boss in January 2019, replacing Maurizio Arrivabene. That change was flagged up by the Gazzetta in advance of the official announcement.

Ferrari denies reports of F1 team boss Mattia Binotto facing the sack

The principal of the Scuderia Ferrari Mattia Binotto has said the team will reconsider their availability in Formula One shortly if austere budget caps are imposed.&nbsp;

Formula One has come to a halt with no races conducted in this year's championship, thus leading to major hit in their finances. So the F1 authorities had decided in cutting down on team budget but Ferrari boss is against this decision as he feels cutting down the budget will risk depreciating F1 as the zenith of motorsport.

In 2019, before the pandemic hit the sport, teams had agreed to a budget cap of $175 million for 2021. But after the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, the sport has come to a halt. With nine races being cancelled, this year the championship is on the verge of being called off.&nbsp;

After the last week meeting between the FIA and the teams, a budget on $145 million was set for 2021 and $130 million for 2022 was proposed. But the teams did not agree with the budget scale. Binotto, who heads the oldest Formula One team threatened that Ferrari will walk away from the sport.&nbsp;

Mattia Binotto told the Guardian: “The $145m level is already a new and demanding request compared to what was set out last June. It cannot be attained without further significant sacrifices, especially in terms of our human resources. If it was to get even lower, we would not want to be put in a position of having to look at other further options for deploying our racing DNA.”

Ferrari is the oldest team in the sport, who has been competing in the sport since the first championship in 1950.&nbsp;

“F1, we have all sorts of teams with different characteristics,” Binotto said. “They operate in different countries, under different legislation and with their ways of working. Therefore it is not simple and straightforward to make structural changes simply by linearly cutting costs.

“We are well aware that F1 and indeed the whole world right now is going through a particularly difficult time because of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, this is not the time to react in a hurry as there’s a risk of making decisions on the back of this emergency without clearly evaluating all the consequences.”

Binotto said that Ferrari has represented the country (Italy, which is one of the worst-hit nations in terms of coronavirus pandemic) and it is their "ethical duty" to look after their personals and avoid large scale job losses. He even stressed that this company is way more than just making profits.&nbsp;

Team Red Bull's principal Christian Horner also did not agree to the new budget planned.&nbsp;

The principal of the Scuderia Ferrari Mattia Binotto has said the team will reconsider their availability in Formula One shortly if austere budget caps are imposed.

The principal of the Scuderia Ferrari Mattia Binotto has said the team will reconsider their availability in Formula One shortly if austere budget caps are imposed. Formula One has come to a halt with no races conducted in this year's championship, thus leading to major hit in their finances. So the F1 authorities had decided in cutting down on team budget but Ferrari boss is against this decision as he feels cutting down the budget will risk depreciating F1 as the zenith of motorsport. In 2019, before the pandemic hit the sport, teams had agreed to a budget cap of $175 million for 2021. But after the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, the sport has come to a halt. With nine races being cancelled, this year the championship is on the verge of being called off. After the last week meeting between the FIA and the teams, a budget on $145 million was set for 2021 and $130 million for 2022 was proposed. But the teams did not agree with the budget scale. Binotto, who heads the oldest Formula One team threatened that Ferrari will walk away from the sport. Mattia Binotto told the Guardian: “The $145m level is already a new and demanding request compared to what was set out last June. It cannot be attained without further significant sacrifices, especially in terms of our human resources. If it was to get even lower, we would not want to be put in a position of having to look at other further options for deploying our racing DNA.” Ferrari is the oldest team in the sport, who has been competing in the sport since the first championship in 1950. “F1, we have all sorts of teams with different characteristics,” Binotto said. “They operate in different countries, under different legislation and with their ways of working. Therefore it is not simple and straightforward to make structural changes simply by linearly cutting costs. “We are well aware that F1 and indeed the whole world right now is going through a particularly difficult time because of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, this is not the time to react in a hurry as there’s a risk of making decisions on the back of this emergency without clearly evaluating all the consequences.” Binotto said that Ferrari has represented the country (Italy, which is one of the worst-hit nations in terms of coronavirus pandemic) and it is their "ethical duty" to look after their personals and avoid large scale job losses. He even stressed that this company is way more than just making profits. Team Red Bull's principal Christian Horner also did not agree to the new budget planned.

Principal of Scuderia Mattia Binotto threatens Ferrari will quit Formula One over COVID-19 cancellations

By Mallika Singh

Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto described the collision of Ferrari cars on Sunday’s <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/motor-racing-verstappen-wins-brazil-gp-thriller-as-ferraris-collide-262825">Brazillian Grand Prix</a> as “silly”. Their drivers Charles Leclerc and Sebastian Vettel collided in a small crash, taking them both out of the race and leaving the team with big consequences.&nbsp;

Binotto said that Sunday’s “mistakes were the mistakes of the drivers”, however, no fines or blame are to be handed out but the priority is going to be on making the drivers realise their mistakes and learning from them.&nbsp;

“I have heard from both drivers, but I will meet with them to discuss what happened. There will be time for the team to analyse the video and data. It is not a matter of fining or blaming,” Binotto said.&nbsp;

Ferrari is to launch an investigation into the conduct of Vettel and Leclerc, who have been summoned to the company’s Maranello headquarters, prior to the season-ending race in Abu Dhabi next week.&nbsp;

The crash comes after 20 races and has left Binotto to deal with the situation to make sure that the highly combustible pairing does not derail Ferrari from its 2020 campaign.&nbsp;

"What happened today, I would say it was even lucky it happened this season because there will be an opportunity to clarify with them for it not to happen next year," Binotto said.&nbsp;

The collision happened on lap 66 of the race, with five more left while the team was competing for the fourth place in a queue of cars being lined up behind Red Bull's Max Verstappen, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/motor-racing-hamilton-waiting-on-wolff-ahead-of-2021-contract-talks-262244">Lewis Hamilton's</a> Mercedes and Red Bull's Alexander Albon.&nbsp;

Albon was trying to pass Hamilton, while Vettel was trying to cross him with Leclerc behind him.&nbsp;

Leclerc overtook Vettel through turn one and when the German came back at him, they clashed on the track, ripping Lecrec’s tyre off the rim and giving Vettel a right rear puncture, which put them both out of the race.&nbsp;

It is the first time the pair has hit another in this season, while Binotto has been trying to manage the inevitable situation which is stemmed in Lecrec outperforming Vettel’s superiority with seven wins and two poles.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/verstappens-comments-not-professional-or-mature-says-vettel-262261">Vettel</a> chose not to make public statements regarding the incident and answering questions by saying that "It doesn't matter now...we both didn't finish the race, which is bad for us as a team."

While Leclerc made the statement that “I was aware he was on the outside. I left little space but enough for him and then I think he tried to squeeze me a little bit towards the inside and we were very close so we touched straight away. Very disappointing to end a race like this."

Leclerc is currently in fourth place behind Verstappen and is leading Vettel by 19 points in the world championship and is set to beat the German if he finishes higher than the seventh place in Abu Dhabi

"Currently they have good relations and are going well together. Certainly what happened today may not help. But I don't think there is a drama at all and I see it more as an opportunity in view of next year to clarify what is needed," Binotto told reporters after the race.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Reuters)

By Mallika Singh Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto described the collision of Ferrari cars on Sunday’s Brazillian Grand Prix as “silly”. Their drivers Charles Leclerc and Sebastian Vettel collided in a small crash, taking them both out of the race and leaving the team with big consequences.

By Mallika Singh Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto described the collision of Ferrari cars on Sunday’s Brazillian Grand Prix as “silly”. Their drivers Charles Leclerc and Sebastian Vettel collided in a small crash, taking them both out of the race and leaving the team with big consequences. Binotto said that Sunday’s “mistakes were the mistakes of the drivers”, however, no fines or blame are to be handed out but the priority is going to be on making the drivers realise their mistakes and learning from them. “I have heard from both drivers, but I will meet with them to discuss what happened. There will be time for the team to analyse the video and data. It is not a matter of fining or blaming,” Binotto said. Ferrari is to launch an investigation into the conduct of Vettel and Leclerc, who have been summoned to the company’s Maranello headquarters, prior to the season-ending race in Abu Dhabi next week. The crash comes after 20 races and has left Binotto to deal with the situation to make sure that the highly combustible pairing does not derail Ferrari from its 2020 campaign. "What happened today, I would say it was even lucky it happened this season because there will be an opportunity to clarify with them for it not to happen next year," Binotto said. The collision happened on lap 66 of the race, with five more left while the team was competing for the fourth place in a queue of cars being lined up behind Red Bull's Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton's Mercedes and Red Bull's Alexander Albon. Albon was trying to pass Hamilton, while Vettel was trying to cross him with Leclerc behind him. Leclerc overtook Vettel through turn one and when the German came back at him, they clashed on the track, ripping Lecrec’s tyre off the rim and giving Vettel a right rear puncture, which put them both out of the race. It is the first time the pair has hit another in this season, while Binotto has been trying to manage the inevitable situation which is stemmed in Lecrec outperforming Vettel’s superiority with seven wins and two poles. Vettel chose not to make public statements regarding the incident and answering questions by saying that "It doesn't matter now...we both didn't finish the race, which is bad for us as a team." While Leclerc made the statement that “I was aware he was on the outside. I left little space but enough for him and then I think he tried to squeeze me a little bit towards the inside and we were very close so we touched straight away. Very disappointing to end a race like this." Leclerc is currently in fourth place behind Verstappen and is leading Vettel by 19 points in the world championship and is set to beat the German if he finishes higher than the seventh place in Abu Dhabi "Currently they have good relations and are going well together. Certainly what happened today may not help. But I don't think there is a drama at all and I see it more as an opportunity in view of next year to clarify what is needed," Binotto told reporters after the race. (With inputs from Reuters)

Ferrari’s 'silly' crash at Brazilian Grand Prix leaves team with big consequences

Ferrari appointed Mattia Binotto as their fourth Formula One principal in less than five years on Monday, with previous incumbent Maurizio Arrivabene paying the price for their continuing lack of titles.

The upheaval, little more than two months before the start of the season in Australia on March 17, had been flagged up before the official announcement by the Gazzeta dello Sport newspaper.

"After four years of untiring commitment and dedication, Maurizio Arrivabene is leaving the team," Ferrari said in a statement.

"The decision was taken together with the company’s top management after lengthy discussions related to Maurizio’s long term personal interests as well as those of the team itself."

Arrivabene was appointed principal of the sport's oldest, most successful and glamorous team in November 2014, replacing Marco Mattiacci who had taken over after Stefano Domenicali resigned in April of that year.

Binotto, a Ferrari stalwart with more than two decades of experience at Maranello, takes over with immediate effect and with all of the team's technical areas continuing to report directly to him.

Ferrari won six of the 21 races last season but their title challenge evaporated in the second half of the year and Mercedes won both the drivers' and constructors' crowns for the fifth year in a row.

The Italian team's most recent driver's title was with Kimi Raikkonen in 2007, a year before they took their last constructors' championship.

Ferrari have won a record 16 constructors' titles and are unique in having competed in every season since the first in 1950.

Arrivabene's tenure had looked uncertain for some time, with reports as far back as October, 2017 suggesting Binotto could replace the former Philip Morris marketing executive.

Strategic blunders by the team last year only increased the pressure on a principal with little love or time for the media.

The team meanwhile adopted something of a siege mentality under his leadership.

Former chief engineer Luca Baldisserri spoke in 2016 of a 'climate of fear' at Maranello with staff allegedly reluctant to take risks in case they were fired by bosses with little racing experience.

The death in July last year of combative chairman Sergio Marchionne, who had exercised the real power, triggered a change at the top with Louis Camilleri taking over as chief executive and John Elkann, a scion of Italy's gilded Agnelli family, as chairman.

Media reports last year had indicated that Marchionne was already planning, before he died of complications during cancer surgery, to replace Arrivabene with Binotto.

Binotto, who has risen through the ranks to technical director and overseen a big step up in engine performance, had reportedly been a target for rival constructors and Ferrari were determined to retain his services.

How well equipped he is to fight Ferrari's corner in delicate talks about the sport's future post-2021, with the sport's owners keen to see a more level playing field, remains an open question.

The team's drivers for the 2019 season are Germany's four-times world champion Sebastian Vettel, runner-up to Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton last year, and new arrival Charles Leclerc who has replaced Kimi Raikkonen.

Finland's Raikkonen, world champion in 2007, has moved to Sauber.

Ferrari appointed Mattia Binotto as their fourth Formula One principal in less than five years on Monday, with previous incumbent Maurizio Arrivabene paying the price for their continuing lack of titles.

Ferrari appointed Mattia Binotto as their fourth Formula One principal in less than five years on Monday, with previous incumbent Maurizio Arrivabene paying the price for their continuing lack of titles. The upheaval, little more than two months before the start of the season in Australia on March 17, had been flagged up before the official announcement by the Gazzeta dello Sport newspaper. "After four years of untiring commitment and dedication, Maurizio Arrivabene is leaving the team," Ferrari said in a statement. "The decision was taken together with the company’s top management after lengthy discussions related to Maurizio’s long term personal interests as well as those of the team itself." Arrivabene was appointed principal of the sport's oldest, most successful and glamorous team in November 2014, replacing Marco Mattiacci who had taken over after Stefano Domenicali resigned in April of that year. Binotto, a Ferrari stalwart with more than two decades of experience at Maranello, takes over with immediate effect and with all of the team's technical areas continuing to report directly to him. Ferrari won six of the 21 races last season but their title challenge evaporated in the second half of the year and Mercedes won both the drivers' and constructors' crowns for the fifth year in a row. The Italian team's most recent driver's title was with Kimi Raikkonen in 2007, a year before they took their last constructors' championship. Ferrari have won a record 16 constructors' titles and are unique in having competed in every season since the first in 1950. Arrivabene's tenure had looked uncertain for some time, with reports as far back as October, 2017 suggesting Binotto could replace the former Philip Morris marketing executive. Strategic blunders by the team last year only increased the pressure on a principal with little love or time for the media. The team meanwhile adopted something of a siege mentality under his leadership. Former chief engineer Luca Baldisserri spoke in 2016 of a 'climate of fear' at Maranello with staff allegedly reluctant to take risks in case they were fired by bosses with little racing experience. The death in July last year of combative chairman Sergio Marchionne, who had exercised the real power, triggered a change at the top with Louis Camilleri taking over as chief executive and John Elkann, a scion of Italy's gilded Agnelli family, as chairman. Media reports last year had indicated that Marchionne was already planning, before he died of complications during cancer surgery, to replace Arrivabene with Binotto. Binotto, who has risen through the ranks to technical director and overseen a big step up in engine performance, had reportedly been a target for rival constructors and Ferrari were determined to retain his services. How well equipped he is to fight Ferrari's corner in delicate talks about the sport's future post-2021, with the sport's owners keen to see a more level playing field, remains an open question. The team's drivers for the 2019 season are Germany's four-times world champion Sebastian Vettel, runner-up to Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton last year, and new arrival Charles Leclerc who has replaced Kimi Raikkonen. Finland's Raikkonen, world champion in 2007, has moved to Sauber.

Motor racing: Mattia Binotto replaces Arrivabene as Ferrari F1 boss

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