“Temporary tenure has been the norm at Ferrari since pre-war times”
DOUG NYE
There’s always a tinge of compassionate sadness when one sees any long-time employee forced from a company after more than 20 years’ service. One feels right now for Mattia Binotto, having resigned – or been ‘invited’ to step down – from heading the Ferrari Formula 1 team at the end of this season past.
But temporary tenure has been the norm at Ferrari since pre-war times, with only a very few, such as the late Mauro Forghieri (admittedly in various roles), or that ferociously bright (and manipulative) little wizard Jean Todt, really lasting long.
When Enzo Ferrari first launched his co-operative Scuderia Ferrari venture in Modena through 1930 he largely ran the show himself. But as the Scuderia grew he engaged a local enthusiast – by some accounts his cousin – Mario Lolli to manage racing affairs.