Mattia Binotto Shares Humorous Tale of Ferrari CEO Call After 488 Pista Crash

During his long tenure at Ferrari, Mattia Binotto, who served 26 years with the iconic brand, had never experienced the thrill of driving one of its road cars. That changed in 2019, but the circumstances were anything but ordinary. Binotto recounted this memorable episode on the Pitstop podcast, shedding light on a moment that was both celebratory and cringe-worthy.

Former CEO Louis Camilleri had been encouraging Binotto to take a Ferrari for a spin, but the Team Principal was hesitant. He decided to make a wager: he would take a ride in a Ferrari only after the team secured a race victory. Shortly after, Charles Leclerc clinched Ferrari's first home win in nine years at the 2019 Italian Grand Prix in Monza, prompting Camilleri to hold Binotto to his word.

Binotto opted for the striking 488 Pista, a model renowned for its fierce performance, boasting a 720 hp V8 engine and capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in under three seconds. However, his excitement quickly turned to disaster as he attempted to drive it home. "I went home, but through my way home, I crashed," he admitted on the podcast.

The aftermath of the crash led to an awkward phone call with Camilleri. "Oh God. He wasn’t happy," Binotto recalled, reflecting on the disappointment he felt. His admission brought laughter from the podcast hosts, who appreciated his candidness about the blunder.

After leaving Ferrari in 2022, Binotto transitioned to head the Audi F1 Project, assuming the role of CEO and Team Principal in 2026. Now, as he prepares for a new chapter in motorsport, the memory of the ill-fated Ferrari ride remains a humorous anecdote from his past.