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

Famous Italian manufactu🐲rers Ferrari are welcoming Formula 1 to൲ Monza this weekend, their home race, where they are desperate to impress.

B💞inotto’s perceived failings - despite leading Charles Leclerc to P3 in the F1 standings last season - saw him axed from his prestigious role a⛄s team boss, and replaced by Vasseur.

But it was all s💎miles when the two men met ಌat Monza.

There might be a more interesting reason for Binotto’s a♏ppearance, beyond just popping in🍎 to see old friends.

He was reportedly targeted by Alpine to become their new team principal, a move which hasn’t materi🐼alised yet.

Otmar Szafnauer left his job as Alpine team principal, as part of a shock exodus of s🌸taff,☂ weeks ago at the Belgian Grand Prix.

Journalis෴t Leo Turrini wrote for Quot🦂idiano: “In France they say that Binotto already has the agreement with Alpine. I wouldn’t be surprised.”

Any agreement may not begin until later this year a✱ny💖way.