Mercedes motorsport boss Toto Wolff has responded to claims the team was interested in hiring Ferrari technical chief Mattia Binotto.
Binotto is largely credited for the Scuderia’s improvement in performance since the start of 2017 after replacing James Allison, who now works for the German manufacturer.
Reports in Italy, however, have often pointed to a rift between him and team boss Maurizio Arrivabene, which have been denied, and suggestions the Italian was looking elsewhere.
“No, we have not offered a contract to Binotto,” Wolff told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“I can say that he is an excellent engineer, but under the leadership of James Allison, we have a first-rate technical team and therefore we are not looking for anyone else.”
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It was thought there could be a possible gap left by another former Ferrari man Aldo Costa, who will step into a consultancy role after stepping down as engineering director.
“Aldo is not just a colleague, but also a friend, he will not leave Mercedes,” added the Austrian.
“Our team has a dynamic structure, we have to develop and provide young people with opportunities and responsibilities.
“What I like is that no one leaves our team unsatisfied, I can assure you.”
