Brazilian Formula 1 driver Ayrton Senna died in a horrific crash on 1 May 1994. Image: Instagram / paulophsbt
Ayrton Senna: Motorsport pays homage to Formula 1 great on anniversary of fatal crash
Motorsport personalities and teams remembered Brazilian Formula 1 driver Ayrton Senna on the anniversary of his death 29 years ago.
Brazilian Formula 1 driver Ayrton Senna died in a horrific crash on 1 May 1994. Image: Instagram / paulophsbt
29 years ago Formula 1 changed forever when three-time champion Ayrton Senna died at the Imola Grand Prix.
According to Sports Illustrated, Senna was 34 years old when he died, incidentally the same age as the writer. The Brazilian will be remembered as one of the sport’s most fiercest competitors and always had his eye on winning no matter the cost.
ALSO READ: Azerbaijan GP: Esteban Ocon involved in pit-lane chaos on penultimate lap
AYRTON SENNA IS THE FOURTH MOST SUCCESSFUL DRIVER IN F1 HISTORY
Senna’s raw pace and unwillingness to give an inch to rival drivers garnered the Brazilian a legion of supporters. Senna achieved 41 race wins from 161 starts from 1984 to 1994, according to Autosport
Ayrton Senna was a national hero in his homeland. He was born in São Paulo and grew up in a relatively wealthy family who helped with his ambition to become a racing driver.
ALSO READ: Knysna Simola Hillclimb: These are the new and classic BMWs heading up the hill
In 1994 over 200 000 Brazilians attended his funeral and his death forced motorsport regulators to introduce sweeping changes to the safety of the drivers.
Senna is considered to be one of the greatest drivers of all time, according to Euronews. In 2010 a documentary by Asif Kapadia titled Senna beautifully captured the driver’s relentless pursuit to become one of the sport’s best drivers.
Have a look at motorsport personalities and Ayrton Senna’s former team McLaren shared on the death of his anniversary:
ALSO READ: Mercedes-Benz recruit ex-F1 driver to race at Knysna Simola Hillclimb
LEWIS HAMILTON WAS GIFTED A SENNA HELMET BY THE LATE DRIVER’S FAMILY
McLaren posted: “Remembering Ayrton Senna. On the anniversary of his tragic passing, we reflect on him, everything he achieved and the legacy he left behind.”
ALSO READ: Nurburgring Nordschleife: Danny Ricciardo to tackle the ‘Ring in F1 car
Sky Sports F1 commentator and pundit Karun Chandok said: “It’s very surreal to me that Ayrton Senna was 5 years younger than I am today on the weekend of Imola 1994…. Such a towering figure who achieved so much and impacted so many lives in such a short space of time on this earth.”
Swiss batch brand Tag Heuer said: “Today marks 29 years since the tragic death of Ayrton Senna, a racing legend and one of the greatest drivers of all time. His passion, determination, and unmatched talent continue to inspire generations. We remember him today and always.”
US sports broadcaster ESPN said: “29 years ago today we lost an icon, an inspiration to millions and a racing legend. Ayrton Senna’s legacy will never die.”
