Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto has revealed his leadership style is inspired by his days alongside Michael Schumacher.
The Swiss chief was at the Scuderia for the entirety of the seven-time world champion’s stint with the team during which he won five titles in one of Formula 1’s most dominant periods.
And reflecting on it, Binotto explained how he came to adopt the same meticulous approach that Schumacher was renowned for.
“It was a fantastic time. I’m proud to have been part of it,” he said speaking with Bild.
“And not only that, I learned a lot from him. I picked up this mentality and ability to be a leader from him. I will never forget that.”
? | An old picture of the boss, Mattia Binotto, with the ? Michael Schumacher ?#essereFerrari ?? pic.twitter.com/gKjhpe3XIV
— Ferrari News (@FanaticsFerrari) April 1, 2022
Binotto has been the Ferrari team boss since 2019 when he replaced Maurizio Arrivabene.
Since then, his goal has been to bring championship glory back to Maranello, one that appears closer than it ever has been to being completed in 2022.
“A big project like this takes years,” he said. “It’s been a long journey and it’s still going on. There is still a lot to do and improve.
“We want to bring back that Ferrari culture in the team. That’s what makes us [who we are].
“We are the only ones who have always been in Formula 1 and the most successful team in history. That’s what we want to stand for. That is what we understand by our motto ‘Essere Ferrari’.”
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And after seeing the Italian team jump to the front of the grid thanks to the major rule changes this year, Binotto admits the atmosphere is very different.
“It gives you an extra boost of motivation,” he said of seeing both drivers on the podium in Bahrain.
“Everyone at Ferrari was waiting for the new season and we put a lot of work and passion into it. We knew we had a good car, but we didn’t realise how good it was until after the race. It was a big relief for all of us.”