Ex-Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto has doubled down on his criticism of the team’s decision to sign Lewis Hamilton, intimating his Formula 1 career is nearing an end.
Binotto, now COO of the Sauber team amid its transition to Audi, was boss at the Scuderia between 2019 and 2022, and was responsible for Carlos Sainz’s move to the team.
Sainz, of course, was ousted in favour of Hamilton, who announced his move to Ferrari prior to the start of the 2024 season, to much excitement and intrigue.
The anticipation of statistically the greatest driver of all time with the most prestigious and oldest team uniting generated huge excitement throughout last year, culminating in Hamilton’s arrival in Maranello in January to enormous fanfare.
However, it has been far less than plain sailing for Hamilton, who has so far failed to make the podium at a regular Grand Prix, his Sprint victory in China the only true highlight.
The lack of competitiveness extracted from the SF-25, combined with the poor results that accompany that, has left the seven-time F1 champion appearing a desolate figure.
Binotto, who previously stated he would not have signed Hamilton, summarised to Automoto.it Ferrari’s struggles so far this year.
“It’s clear that the performances on track and the results aren’t where they’d like them to be right now,” he said.
”But I know every single member of that team very well, and I know they’re talented, strong, and capable.
“They’ll be able to improve the car and do well in the future. And I believe Ferrari can still enjoy some success this year.”
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Binotto theorised that the signing of Hamilton has come too late, citing the 40-year-old’s age as a defining reason as to why things have not, so far at least, worked out.
“Hamilton is a driver of a certain age,” he said. “Ferrari signed him when he was already nearing the end of his career. Ideally, they should have brought him in a few years earlier.”
Having spent time away from F1 after his tenure with Ferrari ended, Binotto joined Sauber last year with the long-term view of working in the long-awaited Audi project, replacing both Andrea Siedl and Oliver Hoffman, taking on their respective roles as Chief Operating Officer and Chief Technical Officer.
The team currently boasts a blend of youth and experience, with reigning Formula 2 champion Gabriel Bortoleto alongside German veteran Nico Hulkenberg.
Asked who the strongest driver on the grid currently is, Binotto had no hesitation in saying Max Verstappen.
“In the short term, Max is still the strongest out there,” he said. “I think everyone would want Verstappen, but I’m happy with our two drivers.”
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