For the first time in more than 30 years, Gino Rosato is represented in the paddock of the Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix without wearing the uniform of the prestigious Ferrari team.
The Laval resident left a managerial position at Scuderia last November to pursue new challenges he has yet to define.
“There comes a point in your life where you have to make a decision. It was the right time for me to leave,” he said in an interview with Le Journal de Montréal in the paddock.
“The increasingly demanding schedule and the long journeys were the deciding factors, that’s for sure. I started when I was 19, now I’m 51. You don’t have the same energy anymore.
untruths
Much has been written since his departure. Journalists, mostly Italian, claimed he was fired by Frederic Vasseur, who replaced Mattia Binotto at the helm of Ferrari before the start of the 2023 season.
“Absolutely not, it’s unrelated,” he replies. Frédéric has known him for 25 years, he is my friend and a very competent person. I was happy about his arrival. Ferrari is lucky to have him,” he said.
“Also, I left last November and he arrived two months later. I have read many untruths.”
homesickness
Rosato, who rose through the ranks and eventually served as Director of Logistics, was looking forward to a more settled life.
“I missed my country and wanted to stay with my mother, Carole, who was very ill. Today she is doing much better,” he explains.
“I spent the day [de vendredi] with my former colleagues in the paddock. I’m not at odds with Ferrari, nor at war with the people who have been work colleagues over the years.
“Furthermore, I’m not completely distanced from my previous employer. When looking for sponsors, I do small collaborations.”
Charles’ gift
Competing in his first Grand Prix this year, Rosato is delighted to have driver Charles Leclerc wearing a helmet in Gilles Villeneuve’s colors in Montreal.
“It’s an idea we discussed together when he visited my home a few months ago,” he said. But I didn’t think he would. I found it moving. Then Charles basically gives me the helmet after the Grand Prix on Sunday.
“It is very touching to see the importance Charles attaches to Villeneuve, this Quebec driver who is still a legend not only in Quebec but also in Italy,” he concluded.