Leo Turrini: Vasseur is dismantling Binotto's team

In a thought-provoking article, highly regarded Formula 1 journalist Leo Turini has delved into the departure of Antonello Sanchez from Ferrari and his move to McLaren, raising intriguing questions about the situation

Leo Turrini: Vasseur is dismantling Binotto's team
Charles Leclerc and David Sanches during the 2023 pre season testing in Bahrain

In today's Profondo Rosso blog post, esteemed Formula 1 writer Leo Turini delves into the recent news of David Sanchez's departure from Ferrari and his move to McLaren.

"First things first," he says. "Fred Vasseur, in agreement with the powerful CEO Benedetto Vigna, even has a duty to build a team in his own image and likeness."

"The V2 Ferrari is Vigna & Vasseur."

Turini suggests that Vasseur is already dismantling the team of his predecessor Mattia Binotto, with key figures like Sanchez, Rosato, and Giacobazzi having already left or on their way out.

Turini doubts that others from the Binotto era will remain in their current roles for long.

Turini then poses some intriguing questions: "Had it made sense to remove the head of the 2023 racing department when the car was already ready?"

"And if the president and CEO no longer believed in Binotto (which is understandable), why did they wait so long? What prevented them from acting earlier?"

He continues to ponder the significance of Sanchez's departure, questioning whether it was justified after just one Grand Prix and after the public spat between the engineer and Charles Leclerc in Bahrain.

David Sanchez and Leclerc at the 2023 pre season testing in Bahrain - Sky Sports F1 Italy
David Sanchez and Leclerc at the 2023 pre season testing in Bahrain - Sky Sports F1 Italy
Binotto showing the finger to Leclerc after the 2022 British Grand Prix-Credit F1
Binotto showing the finger to Leclerc after the 2022 British Grand Prix-Credit F1

Turini also wonders who will now oversee aerodynamic developments on the SF23.

As a self-proclaimed Ferrari fan, Turini understands the frustrations of the Tifosi.

He recalls fans asking him to apologize to Binotto last year, only to later ask him to call for the former team principal's dismissal.

Now, he notes, many are accusing Binotto of wrongdoing.

"Here's the thing," Turini says. "A fan can think this way. They have no obligation to be credible. But a fan, even myself, cannot lead Ferrari. We would instinctively succumb to emotion, which is the enemy of common sense."

He concludes his piece by reflecting on the fact that Sanchez, like other high-profile departures from Ferrari in recent years, left the team already having secured a new job offer.

"Whether it's Costa, Allison, Tortora, or Sassi," he says, "you can call it a coincidence if you like."

Turini's article provides a fascinating insight into the inner workings of Ferrari, particularly the ongoing transformation under Vasseur and Vigna's leadership.

His questions about the timing and justification of Sanchez's departure are particularly thought-provoking.

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