Perhaps, among the debates where there are few doubts regarding great Formula 1 drivers, Ayrton Senna is included, who is considered by many as the best of all times, or one of the greatest in history, since his passion took him to the pinnacle of motorsport with a great track record behind him.
He made his debut in 1984. His Latin American boldness arrived at the tracks of the highest category of world motorsport to make its presence felt, a remarkable presence that was even more evident the following season when he won his first victory in the Portuguese Grand Prix in 1985.
Then came the most beautiful stage of his career, defining an unforgettable era in the Grand Circus. We are talking about the late 80s and early 90s, when the Brazilian’s rivalry crossed paths with Alain Prost to generate an incredible battle for the world titles.
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Ayrton Senna’s Mark
He was champion in 1988, 1990 and 1991. He was a true master in the rain, his talent excelled aboard single-seaters with manual gear changes, and even so, he was able to push the car to the limits, considering the wet track conditions, where only he was able to do it that way.
An example of this was the first lap in the 1993 European Grand Prix at Donington Park. There, much of Ayrton Senna’s magic was seen on a rain-covered circuit, where some struggled not to lose control, while he battled to get to the front.
The Brazilian’s quality was undeniable every time he put on his helmet, although many would have wished he had not put his helmet on that May 1, 1994 at the Imola circuit. The Tamburello corner abruptly and suddenly snatched from the hands of one of the greatest of all time.
That event shocked the world motorsport community, not to mention the fact that the day before his teammate Roland Ratzenberger had died at the same circuit. The signs of destiny were clear, Senna did not want to get into the car after seeing how he lost his teammate.
It is as if his sixth sense warned him, but unfortunately Formula 1 decided to continue, and Senna, as the great professional he was, climbed into his single-seater where he tragically ended his career, leaving the fans of the Grand Circus traumatized and elevating his legacy prematurely and permanently.
Written by | Ronald Ortega
