F1 Rumour: Mattia Binotto To Replace Otmar Szafnauer As Alpine Team Principal
It has been reported that former Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto is on the shortlist to replace Otmar Szafnauer as Alpine team chief.
It was confirmed before the Belgian Grand Prix qualifying session that Alpine is parting ways with both Szafnauer and sporting director Alan Permane.
Since the news was announced, there have been reports that Binotto could replace Szafnauer. The former left Ferrari at the end of the 2022 season where he was team principal and chief technical officer. He does have a garden leave period following his exit from the Maranello-based squad, so it is assumed that he would start at Alpine in 2024 should the rumours be true.
F1 journalist Albert Fabrega posted the news to social media, writing:
"Alpine confirms will part ways with Otmar Szafnauer, Pat Fry y Alan Permane. Binotto is on the list as future team principal."
Binotto was spotted at the British Grand Prix a few weeks ago, which is close to the Alpine HQ in Enstone which has only fuelled the rumours further.
Alpine has not commented on the rumours at the moment, but has thanked Szafnauer for his work with the team over the last 19 months. They wrote in a press release:
"Otmar [Szafnauer] will continue his duties as normal for this weekend’s race in Belgium, before leaving the team ahead of the summer break. The team would like to thank Otmar for his hard work over the past 18 months and for leading the team in achieving fourth place in the 2022 Constructors' Championship. The team wishes him the best for the future."
The idea of Binotto replacing Szafnauer has sparked a mixed response from fans. One fan posted:
"I was expecting Szafnauer but Pat Fry and Alan were not, although those 3 starts seem to me to be the right decision, always very conservative. But you have to look for good additions to Binotto, I don't like that at all."
Whereas, another fan was quite excited by the prospect. They commented:
"At last. Binotto would be a good director for Alpine"