Following the exit of team principal Mattia Binotto Ferrari could well change their view on copying the car design of their Red Bull rivals. Binotto's departure from Ferrari was finally confirmed on Tuesday after weeks of rumours surrounding his future.
The 53-year-old resigned from his post as team principal following a catalogue of strategy errors throughout the 2022 campaign. Confirming his exit, Binotto said in a statement: "With the regret that this entails, I have decided to conclude my collaboration with Ferrari.
"I am leaving a company that I love, which I have been part of for 28 years, with the serenity that comes from the conviction that I have made every effort to achieve the objectives set...
"I would like to thank all the people at the Gestione Sportiva who have shared this journey with me, made up of difficulties but also of great satisfaction.” During 202,2 Binotto's Ferrari proved to be the closest rival to a dominant Red Bull team.
Despite this the former boss was quick to play down the chances of Ferrari copying Red Bull's car design in order to bridge the gap between themselves and the constructors' champions. Following the season finale in Abu Dhabi this month, he said: "We will not copy anyone.
"The F1-75 is a great development base for us and we will remain true to our aerodynamic concept, seeking to improve performance in all areas." With the 53-year-old now gone though, this mindset could well change in the Ferrari camp.
Red Bull dominated on all fronts in 2022, with star man Max Verstappen comfortably winning a second successive world championship, whilst the team as a whole took home their first constructors title in nine years. Their closest competition came in the form of Ferrari, who finished 205 points behind in second.
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Whilst Binotto's exit could change Ferrari's stand point, driver Carlos Sainz is adamant that changes must be made to the car if they are to catch Red Bull in 2023. Sainz told Motorsportweek.com : "I think it is possible, in a perfect year, to beat them [Red Bull].
"But then we have to be really perfect and we have to improve the car. I myself will also have to improve, especially in the first half of the season. You have to set high goals for yourself and for a team like this."
