It has been revealed that Ferrari unsuccessfully sought to secure the services of both Christian Horner and design guru Adrian Newey.

Arguably the most famous name on the F1 grid, Ferrari has not always been the most successful. Indeed, prior to the arrival of Ross Brawn, Rory Byrne, Jean Todt and Michael Schumacher in the late 90s, the Maranello outfit had not won the title since 1979, and even with the 'dream team' on board it took five seasons before it all came together.

While Kimi Raikkonen added another title in 2007, even the recruitment of Fernando Alonso and subsequently Sebastian Vettel couldn't lift the legendary Scuderia out of the F1 equivalent of the doldrums as Red Bull, Mercedes and then Red Bull again took centre stage.

Consequently it comes as no surprise to learn that the Italian team sought to secure the services of Adrian Newey, arguably the most successful designer to grace the sport having won championship winning cars for Williams, McLaren and Red Bull.

"I was very tempted to go there in the past, it's a legendary brand," the Briton told Sky Sports Italy. "They contacted me in 1993, I think, and then again in 1997, when I went from Williams to McLaren.

"That was a very difficult choice," he admitted. "At the time, my children were very young and I didn't want them to change schools. If I had gone to Ferrari I would have had to move to Italy and it would have been complicated. This has had an impact."

The most recent attempt to secure his services came in 2014, following the introduction of the hybrid formula, as Red Bull began to realise that the Renault power-unit was no match for the Mercedes, despite the French manufacturer being the driving force behind the formula's introduction.

"It was a very difficult decision," admitted Newey. "Ferrari came up with an incredible offer, very attractive, and it caused me a lot of sleepless nights deciding what to do and who to go for. But in the end, it would have felt wrong to walk out on Red Bull."

"Montezemolo was already cheering in the paddock and wanted to announce the deal," Helmut Marko subsequently revealed to Swiss newspaper Blick. "But during the night we were able to change Newey's mind."

The Austrian further revealed that the Maranello outfit had made a similar move at the end of last season for Christian Horner's following Mattia Binotto's resignation.

"It took me another whole night to convince Horner to stay at Red Bull," said the Austrian. "And it cost us millions more!"

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READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by kenji, 07/06/2023 2:20

"What an interesting and diverse lifestyle background so many of the posters here have experienced. Makes for great reading and develops an understanding of maybe where some sentiments lie. My own life is no different and I have lived and worked/travelled to very many diverse places on all continents [ excluding the Poles ]...at one time or another. The lessons one learns either by living social absorption or hard experiences are quite unique. Both my sons have lived and worked all over the world and their choices were very much influenced by both my wifes and my past adventures. The education one gets cannot be learnt in a university, only by just doing it. "

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2. Posted by Wokingchap, 06/06/2023 19:01

"I totally agree and aplaud Adrian Newey for putting his private life before Ferrari. He was obviously earning loads and happy where he was.
I had a similar situation, not at that cash level but working with many of the world's top groups and artists as a concert sound engineer for audio rental services.
I was very happy working with one band after another, also with the huge wages at that level.
I had frequent offers to work permanently for some great artists, all of which I refused for personal reasons and partially because of the frequent turnover of fresh and new people to work with.
Like Mr.Newey I was more than happy with my situation.
"

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3. Posted by JR Martin, 06/06/2023 17:46

"@kengi and Greg

Agree with you both and coming from a military family who loved to travel I saw and experienced a lot…both the good and the bad.

I was in Monaco in 1957. I was only eight and didn’t have a clue what an F1 race was.

Attended my first GP in 1966 at the Nuremburg Ring. Was at Hockenheim when Clark had his fatal accident.

Crossed through the original Check Point Charlie in 1968.

I consider myself fortunate to have seen and done more than others. Fond memories despite on the first day of a three year stay in a European country I was spit on and told ‘Yankee go home’.
"

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4. Posted by ChickenFarmerF1, 06/06/2023 16:35

"I went to 3 high schools. One near Philadelphia, one in Christchurch New Zealand, and one in Eugene Oregon. When I was still in primary school we moved from upstate NY to Philadelphia. I think those moves helped me, but that last move (to Oregon) in high school about did me in. Was sick almost the whole first 6 months. Got my wife out of that move, but otherwise it was forgettable.

As an adult I've lived in Oregon, Florida, Arizona, Kansas (back and forth a couple time), then a couple different cities in Arizona, and Washington (several cities), with a brief interlude in California. Been in the same house (and job) now for 13 years, which seems odd in a way. But it's nice to be able to keep chickens, and now sheep. Plus a couple German Shepherds. Looking for a couple barn cats to help control the rodents.

Oldest is heading to Dallas for university in a couple months. We promised them an overseas trip after high school. She wants to go to South Korea. Second sprog is probably going to Alaska or Colorado for university in a couple years. He loves outdoor adventures. I'd guess New Zealand, or somewhere in South America is likely his choice for a overseas trip. 2 youngest, who knows? They're only 10 and 11. They haven't ever experienced moving."

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5. Posted by Greg, 06/06/2023 14:33

"@Max.. I do a nice red here in my house... As for the kids. A little of both. They both stay in touch with some of their friends from school days, even catching up occasionally face to face.. same for me and my wife. Occasionally catching up with friends around the world. But now it's scattered family... Me (and wife) in Tuscany. One son in London and one in Sydney.... Such is life..."

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6. Posted by Max Noble, 06/06/2023 13:29

"@Esteemed Editor - Maranello is calling you all… :-)"

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7. Posted by Editor, 06/06/2023 12:53

"Uprooting the Pitpass cats in 2016 from one part of Essex – well, Greater London actually – to another part of Essex was extremely stressful.

Sadly, Bobby passed away in early 2018, but shortly after we were joined by Niki.

Previously we had moved from Scotland to Essex – well, Greater London actually – and while this was stressful, the cats soon began to appreciate the warmer weather and equally warmer people.

Living by the sea, they are intimidated by the size of the seagulls but have adapted accordingly.

They have made new friends, found new gardens to poop in and generally settled in.

Should the right offer come in they are willing to relocate yet again, especially as the passing years make the winters feel that little bit colder."

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8. Posted by Max Noble, 06/06/2023 12:43

"@All - Knowing many defence force kids, where they move every two to three years, most say they wish their parents had sat still long enough for them to forge long term friendships. Some people, like Bill Gates, and Elon Musk thrive regardless. The rare unicorn does not a season make.

@Greg - I’d need a good quality glass of red with your kids to ask them quietly what they really felt about all those moves… endured, rather than thriving…? Survived, rather than enjoyed…? Don’t know. Jus’ sayin’….

"

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9. Posted by Greg, 06/06/2023 12:12

"Have to agree with Kenji. My kids grew up going to school on 3 different continents as my work took me around the world. They have there ups and downs, especially leaving and making new friends as I moved around. But their experience has also made them what they are today, confident and very culture aware , but also very opinionated -)"

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10. Posted by Chester, 06/06/2023 12:03

"Newey is a genius. IMO, his level of expertise if translated into driving skill/saavy would exceed the best drivers. I am in awe of the guy."

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11. Posted by kenji, 06/06/2023 11:46

"@Max Noble...whilst I agree 100% in your summary of Adrian Newey I also believe that kids can derive a distinct afvantage in their lives by living and learning life skills and education in combination within an alternative society. Their schooling would be broader based and that is an advantage as well as learning new language skills. At Newey's level the stipend would've been huge in everyday terms thus ensuring that they would be attending decent schools. "

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12. Posted by Max Noble, 06/06/2023 10:46

"Is there no end to how awesome Adrian is? He put his kids schooling ahead of a Ferrari contract. Genius designer, and a family man. Obviously Red Bull dollars would have helped, but that’s great to see such a key figure knowing there is more to life than just F1. Would appear to be an utter gentleman. A genius gentleman…"

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Ferrari courted both Newey and Horner

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