Vasseur praises Binotto for 'crystal clear' hand-over process

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New Ferrari boss Frédéric Vasseur praised his predecessor Mattia Binotto for facilitating the succession process at the Scuderia between the two men.

Ferrari announced in late November, or ten days after F1's finale in Abu Dhabi, that Binotto had handed in his resignation as the Italian outfit's team principal.

However, the Swiss-Italian remained at Maranello until the end of the year, managing the Scuderia's day-to-day affairs while preparing his exit and Vasseur's arrival.

"The process was crystal clear," explained Vasseur. "Even if we had some rumours into the press in Abu Dhabi, we didn't discuss before.

"We had the first discussion the week after Abu Dhabi and it was very, very quick as a process.

Read also: Vasseur 'really convinced' Ferrari has everything to win F1 title

"Then I had a call with Mattia, and I even met Mattia during the handover. And we had a one-to-one discussion.

"It was thanks to Mattia for this, because I appreciated the move from Mattia to stay, to wait for me, and to discuss together."

While Binotto has ensured a seamless transition and provided his successor with as much insight as possible into Ferrari's preparations for 2023, Vasseur revealed that he was set to meet with former Scuderia chief Jean Todt, who led the team to multiple world titles over two decades ago, to seek some valuable advice on managing the most successful team in F1.

"For sure, I’ve had some discussions with Jean, because he’s stayed close to the F1 world," explained Vasseur.

"We exchanged [messages] by WhatsApp a couple of weeks ago, and I will meet him soon. All the advice is welcome, for sure, but I think it’s also quite difficult today to compare the situation of ‘94, ‘95, and 2022."

Binotto's exit prompted speculation that Todt - who concluded his tenure at the helm of the FIA at the end of 2021 - could perhaps return to the House of Maranello in an advisory role.

But Vasseur has made clear that no such move is in the works.

"I've known Jean for now more than 20 years," added Vasseur. "He was never far away from me in my professional life.

"I think it makes sense for me to discuss with him, but it's not a matter to be a consultant. I'm considering Jean as a close relationship and nothing else."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.