Jean Todt Toddles Off

Jean Todt has announced his resignation from Ferrari after working for the company since 1993, Luca di Montezemolo confirmed today (Mar. 18).

Todt was a member of the Ferrari 'superteam' that consisted of Schumacher, Brawn, Byrne and himself in the late-1990s-early/mid 2000s, and was the team principal up until the end of 2007, when Stefano Domenicalli took over the role.

During his 15 years as principal, a total of 13 drivers and constructors championships were won under his control. Countless wins, countless points, and countless other things have confirmed his legendary status within the team.

When he joined the team in 1993, Ferrari were going through a rough patch, with them not having won a race since 1990. Although success was not instant, they at least won a couple of races before hiring Michael Schumacher for the 1996 season.

Once Schumacher had established himself at the team, bringing several ex-Benetton employees with him including Ross Brawn, they were at last ready to challenge for the title again in 1997. Todt had managed to make Ferrari successful again.

1997 and 1998 passed without a championship, but 1999 was more successful, as the constructors championship at last returned to Maranello for the first time since 1983. The drivers championship would elude the team for one more year, after Schumacher broke his leg mid-season.

Jean Todt and Ferrari moved into the millennium knowing that only both championships would do, and that is exactly what they got. And the year after that. And the year after that. And the year after that. And the year after that.

However these years were not without controversy. Austria 2002 stands out, as Todt made the call to Rubens Barrichello to let Schumacher past for the win—something that outraged many people in the sport, especially as it was so early in the season.

Around 2004, there were rumours that Todt would take over from Max Mosley after speculation that he would retire as FIA president. However, Todt was happy and stayed at Ferrari, and likewise Mosley retained his position.

When Schumacher announced his retirement in 2006, many thought Todt would also leave.

Brawn had taken a sabbatical, and as we know now wouldn't be returning. However, he stayed for 2007, and two more championships came his way before stepping down as team principal.

For 2008 he remained as the CEO of Ferrari, but today it was announced that he had left the team completely, ending a very successful era for the team. I think that he can look back over the last 16 years knowing that he did a good job to get Ferrari out of the gutter, and back on form again.