Ayrton Senna and the Ferrari dream

Senna’s first contacts with Scuderia Ferrari

The name Ayrton Senna began circulating in Maranello during the era of Enzo Ferrari, who was captivated by the Brazilian driver’s talent after the 1984 Monaco Grand Prix. By 1990, Senna was just a step away from signing his dream contract with Ferrari, believing that every champion should eventually race for the Scuderia.

After the 1989 Monaco Grand Prix, Cesare Fiorio, Ferrari’s Sporting Director at the time (now Team Principal), reached out to Senna through a connection with Angelo Orsi, the famous Autosprint photographer and close friend of the driver. Senna immediately showed great interest, requesting that their meetings remain top secret. For Ayrton, the Ferrari dream seemed within reach.

The best driver in the world

At that time, Ayrton was considered the best driver in the world. Fiorio was eager to “secure” Senna and bring him to Ferrari. Both appeared aligned on the agreement’s terms, but signing in 1990 was impossible due to Senna’s locked-in contract with McLaren. A discussion for 1991, however, was possible.

The negotiations were conducted in absolute secrecy, as requested by Ayrton Senna, with Monte Carlo and São Paulo, the driver’s hometown, serving as the meeting locations, all without drawing attention at any circuits. Talks resumed in spring 1990, after the Brazilian Grand Prix, when Fiorio went directly to Senna’s home instead of returning to Italy. The process was long, challenging, and exhausting, conducted without legal representatives, as Fiorio had broad delegated authority from Ferrari. Throughout, Ayrton Senna was meticulous and exacting.

Pre-contract ready: Senna tastes the Ferrari dream

By July 1990, Ayrton Senna was on the road to Ferrari, with a pre-contract drafted and signed. He committed to race for Ferrari in the 1991 and 1992 seasons. The agreement included salary (higher than Alain Prost’s), benefits, placement bonuses, sponsorships, and even an F40 road car. After the French Grand Prix, Fiorio presented the pre-contract to Ferrari executives, but the signature never came. At the time, Prost was already racing for Ferrari alongside Nigel Mansell in 1990.

Problems arise

The reason the deal fell through was straightforward. According to Fiorio, Pietro Fusaro, then Ferrari CEO, reacted negatively for being bypassed in the negotiations. Fusaro also believed it was unwise to have both Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost together, given their history. He promptly informed Prost of the pre-contract, who immediately requested a private meeting with Gianni Agnelli.

Prost reconfirmed

At that time, Alain Prost was getting the maximum from the car, delivering excellent results, so all his requests were accommodated. After the meeting, the Frenchman declared he had signed for the 1991 season as well. His reconfirmation automatically excluded Ayrton Senna from joining the Maranello team. The decision surprised many, but being Agnelli’s directive, it had to be accepted.

Fusaro, in later interviews, revealed he still attempted to bring Senna to the team, recognizing the potential positive impact for Fiat in Brazil, an important market. Yet, everything ended in vain. One fact remains certain: Ayrton Senna would never realize his dream of racing for Ferrari.

Unfortunate 1991 for Ferrari

The 1991 season proved unlucky for Ferrari. Cesare Fiorio left Maranello after four races, and Prost was abruptly fired after the Japanese Grand Prix for calling the car “a truck.” Senna’s missed opportunity remained a significant regret for Fiorio, who still keeps a copy of the signed pre-contract.

Luca Cordero di Montezemolo, former Ferrari president, later revealed he tried to sign Senna just before the 1994 Imola tragedy. Senna reportedly said his dream was to race for Ferrari and that after the Imola GP, he would try to leave Williams at all costs. Unfortunately, we all know the tragic outcome.