Mercedes deny trying to recruit Ferrari’s Binotto

Editor

Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff has denied that the Silver Arrows have made an offer to current Ferrari technical director Mattia Binotto.

Last month, the Italian media suggested a rift was still in full force at Maranello and that Binotto was considering offers.

Mercedes were alleged to be one of those teams, but Wolff has denied the claims, saying they don’t need the Ferrari man.

“No, we have not offered a contract to Binotto,” he said.

“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.”

The Silver Arrows’ engineering team has been led by John Owen following Aldo Costa’s move into a consultancy role last year.

“Aldo is not just a colleague, but also a friend, he will not leave Mercedes,” Wolff added.

“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.”

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