Binotto still in charge after Ferrari reshuffle

Jon Wilde
Mattia Binotto Ferrari

Ferrari have created a new Performance Department as they strive to turn around their flagging F1 fortunes – with Mattia Binotto staying as Team Principal.

The Italian giants have made a highly disappointing start to the 2020 season and largely been struggling in the midfield, with Charles Leclerc’s P2 finish at the opening Austrian Grand Prix the only bright spot so far.

Changes to the structure of the team are therefore not surprising, hence the inception of the Performance Department which will be run by Enrico Cardile featuring input from Rory Byrne who played a significant role at Ferrari as Chief Designer in the early 2000s.

Cardile moved across from Ferrari’s GT department in 2016, where he had worked for a decade, and holds the role of Head of Aerodynamics and Vehicle Project Manager.

In a statement, as reported by Motorsportweek.com, Ferrari said the modified structure “provides the heads of each department (with) the necessary powers to achieve their objectives” due to a “more focused and simplified” chain of command.

Binotto remains as Team Principal, with Enrico Gualtieri in charge of the Power Unit department, Laurent Mekies as Sporting Director and Simone Resta in charge of the Chassis Engineering arm.

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“As hinted at a few days ago, we are making changes to the technical side of the organisation so as to speed up the design and development on the car performance front,” said Binotto.

“A change of direction was needed to define clear lines of responsibility and working processes, while reaffirming the company’s faith in its technical talent pool.

“The department run by Enrico Cardile will be able to count on the experience of Rory Byrne and established engineers such as David Sanchez. It will be the cornerstone of the car’s development.

“We believe Ferrari personnel are of the highest level and we have nothing to envy about our main competitors in this respect. But we had to make a decisive change, raising the bar in terms of the responsibilities of the department heads.

“We have said it several times but it’s worth repeating: we have started to lay the foundations of a process which should lead to a new and enduring winning cycle.

“It will take some time and we will suffer setbacks like the one we are experiencing right now in terms of results and performance.

“However, we must react to these shortcomings with strength and determination to get back to being at the very top of this sport as soon as possible.

“This is what we all want and what our fans all over the world expect of us.”

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Ferrari

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