Binotto did an excellent job at Ferrari, says Vasseur

Ferrari team boss Fred Vasseur, who succeeded Mattia Binotto at the Italian outfit at the end of 2022, insists that the Swiss-Italian has done an “excellent job” in Maranello.

As part of the management shake-up, Audi announced ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix that Andreas Seidl will leave its F1 project. Departing from McLaren, the German started in his role for Audi in January last year.

Seidl's place will be taken over by former Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto, who will head up its Formula 1 project as part of a major management shake-up. The Swiss-Italian commenced his work on August 1.

Binotto left Ferrari at the conclusion of the 2022 F1 season, and former Sauber team boss Fred Vasseur took over his role.

When asked about the Binotto's return to the paddock, the Frenchman chose to remain discreet: “Do I want to comment? Absolutely not. I focus on my team, my guys, and I completely understand that building a Formula 1 team is challenging.”

“I think it’s difficult everywhere. Mattia did an excellent job at Ferrari in the past. He was successful and made the team a winner. I wish them all the best, but it’s not up to me to comment on Mattia’s potential at Audi.”

Laurent Mekies, who was Mattia Binotto’s right-hand man at Ferrari for five years as Sporting Director, also commented on the news: “In terms of skills, there is no doubt that Mattia has everything it takes to make things work there, and probably elsewhere as well.

"I believe Audi will become an even stronger competitor in the near future.” commented the Visa Cash RB team boss.