Former Ferrari team principal Jean Todt discloses that the Scuderia nearly signed Formula 1 legend Ayrton Senna before securing Michael Schumacher, altering the course of motorsport history.

Senna’s Push for a Ferrari Move

In 1993, during the Monza Grand Prix, Senna approached Todt in his hotel room to discuss joining Ferrari. The three-time world champion ed strong interest in driving for the Italian team in 1994, the year following his tumultuous title win amid the tragic events at Imola, where both Roland Ratzenberger and Senna himself met fatal ends.

Todt recalls Senna’s determination: “He came to my room – we were staying in the same hotel – and we spent part of the night together to speak about him joining Ferrari. He wanted to come, he wanted to come, but he wanted to come in 1994.”

Contracts Block the 1994 Deal

Ferrari held binding contracts with Gerhard Berger and Jean Alesi for 1994, and Todt refused to break them. He informed Senna, “1994 will not be possible. In fact, we will not be ready yet, and we have those contracts.” Senna replied, “In Formula 1, contracts are not important,” but Todt stood firm: “Yes but, for me, contracts are important.”

The team proposed 1995 instead, amid ongoing rebuilding efforts. Long-standing interest in Senna existed at Maranello even before Todt’s leadership, with prior contacts noted. Todt confirms discussions in September 1993 targeted a 1995 arrival, but Senna insisted on 1994, leading him to Williams.

Schumacher Seals the Iconic Partnership

Ferrari persisted with Berger and Alesi through 1994 and 1995 while restructuring. In 1996, they targeted a star driver and swiftly signed double world champion Schumacher from Benetton. Schumacher and his manager Willi Weber finalized the deal within 24 hours, launching an era of dominance that shattered numerous F1 records.