The tragic loss of at Imola – on May 1, 1994 – still has an indelible impact on Formula 1 today. From the auriverde colours that Lewis Hamilton proudly wears on his helmet when he races in Brazil, to the sport’s constant striving for improved safety measures, the events of that weekend will never be forgotten.
Exactly 30 years on from the three-time F1 world champion's death, we look back on 10 of the most outstanding moments from Senna's remarkable career that showcased just what a brilliant talent he was.
We could never really have posed a threat to Williams,” said Senna frankly at the end of his final season with McLaren in 1993. And the first few laps of that year’s British Grand Prix both confirmed Senna’s verdict and galvanised the Brazilian’s greatness. Having aced his start from fourth on the Silverstone grid to get ahead of polesitter Alain Prost, Senna then put in a magnificent defence as he attempted to keep both the Frenchman and Michael Schumacher’s Benetton behind him.
Several times the cameras appeared to show Senna getting passed by his rivals, only for the day-glo McLaren to re-appear as if from nowhere. There was an inevitability about Senna being passed by both – but the Brazilian’s refusal to accept defeat was yet another clear sign – if any was needed – of the true warrior spirit that lurked beneath that famous yellow helmet.
