Mattia Binotto reportedly set to join Alpine as team principal

Binotto has been linked with Alpine for a long time now.

Mattia Binotto reportedly set to join Alpine as team principal

Mattia Binotto (Credits: The SportsRush)

Alpine recently saw a massive change in its management. Alpine CEO Laurent Rossi and principal Otmar Szafnauer being fired was one of the major steps taken by Alpine’s parent company Renault as part of their internal restructuring. Recently, it has been rumored that former Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto is set to replace Szafnauer as team principal in Alpine.

According to French media Auto Journal, the agreement between the two parties is already sealed. Binotto had given his resignation to Ferrari at the end of the 2022 season and could announce his transfer to Alpine by September. Binotto is a highly respected personality in F1 circles, and his arrival might be the key to Alpine’s success.

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Binotto was also spotted in a private Pirelli testing held at Spa. Although it is still not confirmed whether he was on-site or not, the news did further fuel rumors of him joining Alpine. Having been principal for four years in Ferrari, his experience of managing a team as prestigious as them would prove to be invaluable to Alpine.

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In case you missed it: Esteban Ocon rubbishes the idea of switching focus to 2024 as Alpine’s struggles look to be never ending this season

Helmut Marko tells Renault to sell Alpine to Michael Andretti

Helmut Marko and Michael Andretti
Helmut Marko (Credits: The Mirror) and Michael Andretti (Credits: 24 Heures de Mans)

Alpine’s tough phase is not looking to end anytime soon. They are sixth on the constructor’s standings, having taken only one podium the entire season. Red Bull’s Helmut Marko recently took a hit on Alpine, saying that they should stick to making engines, and it is in their interest to be sold out to Michael Andretti as he looks to enter F1 in 2025 with Cadillac.

Marko says that Andretti buying out Alpine is a win-win situation for all parties. He said that F1 would retain its ten-team structure while Andretti would get his long-desired ticket to F1. Marko said that Alpine’s problems are not just limited to their engine. He said that the compromises they must make in the car setup also play a major role in Alpine’s poor performance.

“Andretti should buy the Alpine team. That would be best served for everyone. Formula 1 would keep its ten teams, Andretti could finally get in and Renault would still be involved… I can understand Alpine’s problems. It’s not just about engine performance.” said Marko.

Andretti Cadillac is looking to join F1 in 2025 as their 11th team. Although all the rival teams are opposing the move, Red Bull have supported the American’s entry to the sport.

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