The ex-Ferrari team pꦰrincipal was making an intriguing return to the paddock when he bumped into the man who replaced him in his job.

Famous Italian manufacturers Ferrari are welওcoming Formula 1 to Monza this 🐽weekend, their home race, where they are desperate to impress.

Binotto’s perceived failings - despite leading Charles Leclerc to P3 in the F1 standings last season - saw him axed from his prestigious role as te🉐am boss, and replaced by Vasseur.

But it𒆙 was all🎀 smiles when the two men met at Monza.

There might be a more interesting reason for Binotto’s appearance, beyond just popping in to s🔯ee old friends.

He was reportedly targeted by Alpine to become their new team principal𝕴, a move which hasn𝔉’t materialised yet.

Otmar Szafnauer left his job as Alpine team principal, as part o🎐f a shock exodus of staff, weeks ago at the Belgian Grand Prix.

Journalist Leo Turrini wrote for ꦇQuotidiano: “In France they say that Binotto already has the agreement with Alpine. I wouldn’t be surꦯprised.”

Any agreement may not begin 🌟until later this year anyway.