Helmut Marko believes Ferrari has been weakened by Mattia Binotto's departure from the helm of the Scuderia and not strengthened by Frédéric Vasseur's arrival.
The 2022 season finally saw Ferrari's resurgence as a genuine title contender. But unfortunately, the Italian outfit's challenge waned as the season unfolded on the back of missteps and strategy errors, leaving rival Red Bull in charge of both of F1's championships.
At the end of last month, Binotto unexpectedly handed in his resignation to Ferrari chairman John Elkann, a decision likely forced upon the Scuderia boss by Elkann and Ferrari CEO Bendetto Vigna.
Read also:
- Sainz confident Vasseur is 'going to do well' at Ferrari
- Rosberg on Binotto exit: 'Continuity is a value in F1'
The House of Maranello has recruited Vasseur as Binotto's successor, but Marko, like many people, was at a loss to understand the change.
"In the case of Ferrari, I don’t quite understand the change," the Red Bull motorsport boss told Auto Motor und Sport. "I consider Binotto to be an excellent technician and politician.
"He was simply overwhelmed by the task. But it would have been enough to put a sporting director at his side to support him at the track and with the strategy.
"With the new man, who has many other jobs, I see a weakening for Ferrari."
Indeed, in addition to his responsibilities with Ferrari, Vasseur will continue to oversee Spark Racing Technology, which supplies chassis to the all-electric Formula E series.
Vasseur's arrival at the House of Maranello marks the Ferrari's fourth team boss rotation in a decade, a track record that contrasts with the stability enjoyed by both Red Bull and Mercedes where Christian Horner and Toto remain in charge.
When asked if Red Bull and Mercedes have come out on top in the wake of F1's multiple team principal changes that also include McLaren and Williams, Marko said: "Definitely, through stability and continuity."
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