Charles Leclerc can restore Ferrari to its former glory as Michael Schumacher

No fan at Monza could suit Mattia Binotto. The Ferrari team manager is under so much pressure that he wondered if he would resign.

Spectators typically crowd the bottleneck at the end of the paddock, shoving their autograph books into the palms of Ferrari drivers as they climb into their road cars on the way to the Hotel de la Ville team’s retreat in road.

Covid-19 has put an end to that scene. It’s essential personnel only here this weekend, and that’s a respite when the team that is a symbol of Italian manhood is enduring its worst run since Michael Schumacher handed over the drivers’ title after 21 sterile years.

Charles Leclerc may be the man to revitalize Ferrari again amid worrisome decline

What was once a great institution is in a sorry state and nowhere near being competitive in Formula 1

Before the Italian Grand Prix, they are 203 points behind Mercedes. His positions at Spa last weekend, with Sebastian Vettel 13th and Charles Leclerc 14th, were the lowest (in races both cars have finished) in a decade.

At the top is Binotto, 50, the long, bespectacled Ferrari-Lifer, who moved from his purely engineering role to that of crew chief in early 2019. Last season, they offered a threat to the Mercedes monopoly. . But since their controversial engine was outlawed in an FIA clarification, they have found themselves a long way off the pace.

When asked if he felt pressured by his work in Maranello, a place with more evictions than Big Brother’s house, he said: ‘Honestly, never, because I know I have the support of my managers. But I questioned myself. I pondered whether I am fit for the role.

Michael Schumacher delivered The Prancing Horse’s first drivers’ title in 21 years in 2000

‘I could have done better in some areas. For example, the technical reorganization could have been done earlier. But I think my 25 years in F1 and the knowledge of the company are key elements that help. ‘

Ferrari is a complex political entity. At the helm is President John Elkann, Gianni Agnelli’s grandson in Gucci loafers. Joining him is Egyptian-born CEO Louis Camilleri.

How long will your faith in the head of the family last? “I am not alone,” Binotto insisted. Louis and I speak several times a day and I speak with President John Elkann regularly. I get your advice. ‘

Ferrari team principal Matthia Binotto is under serious pressure to resign

Elkann called after the Spa misfire. I wanted to understand why we had gone so bad. He asked if we are regressing instead of progressing. I wanted to analyze and ultimately give the support that is needed. ‘

It’s a long-term job to get back on the podium regularly. But some of the groundwork has been laid with Leclerc, 22, who signed a long-term contract. The 33-year-old Vettel has been told he is above the bar, a sudden layoff during the lockdown that reflected little credit to those who showed him the door having assured the world that they would not. Carlos Sainz, 26, is coming from McLaren next season to replace Vettel.

Leclerc is Schumacher’s anointed heir, but even he is restless. He ran away in practice on Friday. “This car is so hard to drive,” he yelled over the radio.

Leclerc is a good young rider, but he must carry the baggage of history and scrutiny at the top.

Binotto supports the young Monegasque, as he could. Clearly good, but outstanding as he carries all the baggage of history and scrutiny at the end of a championship that only time can tell.

Leclerc is not being underestimated by his boss. Speaking to Corriere della Sera, Binotto said: ‘Charles grew up with us, knows the values ​​of Ferrari and is very close to all of us. I often tell him about Schumacher, who arrived in 1996 and was champion in 2000. He can repeat that path. “