Ferrari’s new team boss Mattia Binotto is under immediate pressure to bring championship success back to Maranello, says the head of Italian motorsport.
After speculation had rumbled on of an internal feud between the pair, the Scuderia took the decision to part ways with Maurizio Arrivabene last week and promote Binotto from his role as technical director.
It’s a move that has been welcomed by everyone with connections to the team and ACI president Angelo Sticchi Damiani believes it also means the time for excuses at Ferrari has passed.
“The message is clear, there can no longer be misunderstandings,” he told Corriere dello Sport. “The results can no longer be questioned because of communication issues between those responsible.
“The appointment of Binotto and above all the fusion of the two most important roles within the team is a sensational development that means one thing: you have to win the two world championships right away,” added the boss of Italy’s governing body for motorsport.
“Expectations for 2019 are enormous and it is important that a point of equilibrium has been found.”
Considering what he thought the breaking point had been, Sticchi Damiani added: “The shareholders clearly considered the risk of a third season with stumbles and missed opportunities unacceptable.
“It was also due to the fans, who have never abandoned Ferrari in moments of defeat or long waits.”
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Indeed, it has now been more than 10 years since the scarlet reds have tasted title success with the 2008 Constructors’ Championship the last to their name.
And, in addition to Binotto’s promotion, the ACI president sees Charles Leclerc’s arrival as a much-needed wake up call for Sebastian Vettel.
“Sebastian will not have welcomed the arrival of a young, fast and already very mature driver, but I am convinced that it can only help him and push him to give his best,” he said.
“There is a need for new incentives after the incredible fragility demonstrated last season while racing in a kind of comfort zone with his friend [Kimi] Raikkonen at his side.
“Getting out of it can only do him good,” Sticchi Damiani concluded.
