Race and classic pictures

The day Red Bull signed up its most prized possession

On this day in 2005, Red Bull Racing added a top-level recruit to its ranks, a man who would eventually become its most prized possession.

The Milton Keynes-based outfit, helmed by a 32-year-old Christian Horner at the time, secured the services of top F1 designer and aerodynamicist Adrian Newey.

It was a major coup for Horner who lured the British engineer away from McLaren after Ron Dennis had reportedly refused to give in to Newey's increasing financial demands.

"It's a massive recruitment for us," Horner said back then. "Given the choice of Adrian or Michael Schumacher, I'd go for Adrian every time. It's of that kind of magnitude.

"I think that it sends out exactly the right message in that we are totally serious about what we want to do and what we want to achieve."

It predictably took a bit of time for F1's design guru to settle in with his new team, but after finishing runner in the Constructors' standings in 2009, Red Bull went on to enjoy four consecutive world titles thanks to designs penned and overseen by Newey's genius and complimented by Sebastian Vettel's talent.

Nineteen years on from his arrival at Milton Keynes, Newey is set to open a new chapter in his illustrious F1 career, with a team – Aston Martin – whose ambitions to harness his unparalleled expertise mirror the eagerness Red Bull showed back in 2005.

Will history repeat itself?

©AstonMartin

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.