Mattia Binotto walked away from Ferrari because he realised finishing second was "not enough" for the Italian giants in the 2022 season, according to their former boss Stefano Domenicali.
On Tuesday, it was confirmed that Binotto would be stepping down as Team Principal, following a campaign which promised much after Charles Leclerc won two of the first three races of the season. However, with hopes high that the Scuderia could land a first drivers' title since 2007, their challenge faded amid a series of strategic blunders.
Leclerc did finish second, but was a huge 146 points behind champion Max Verstappen. Teammate Carlos Sainz was down in fifth as the team failed to win any of the final 11 races of the year, fuelling speculation that the 53-year-old Binotto would be sacked.
After Binotto opted to jump before he was pushed, F1 CEO Domenicali has offered a simple assessment over his departure: "When you are second with Ferrari, it is something that is not enough," the Italian told Sky Sports News, at the launch of new F1 Arcade in central London.
Domenicali was at the helm at Ferrari when they won their last Constructors' title in 2008, departing six years later. On the Italian giants, he added: "I don't want to get into the dynamic of the team, for sure I want to wish him the best for his future."
Binotto will officially leave his role on December 31, with rumours gathering pace over his replacement. Frederic Vassuer, boss of the Ferrari-linked Alfa Romeo, is set to join with his own team facing an uncertain future.
Domenicali, 57, also expressed his hope that both Ferrari and Mercedes could challenge in Red Bull next year, and contribute to a thrilling championship battle: "I hope that Ferrari find the right solution to stay on track because they did a big recovery from where they were two years ago," he added.
"We need Ferrari to be competitive and we need to have a good team, strong team, strong drivers to fight against the others so that is really the wish I am hoping for. The aim and the hope is to have the last race with the right fight, the right sporting fight and all the provisos are there."
Binotto, 53, first joined Ferrari back in 1995, and became Team Principal in 2019. Despite his deflating exit, the Swiss born boss was involved in a golden era with the team, when Michael Schumacher won five successive titles from 2000-2004.
