The world of Formula 1 has been in a somber mode the last few weeks, as they re-mourn the death of Ayrton Senna, a 3-time world champion. The man passed at 34 years old on May 1, 1994, as the result of a crash into concrete barriers at the San Marino Grand Prix, the day after the death of Roland Ratzenberger, another driver on the grid. Ayrton’s death was widely grieved across the world, with particular support in Brazil, his home country, and Japan due to his relationship with the Honda engine manufacturer. Senna is widely regarded as one of the greatest racers of all time, and his tragic death served as the catalyst for several safety improvements by the FIA, as well as the formation of a Driver’s Guild, which Senna had planned to lead following Ratzenberger’s death in qualifying.
The Emilia-Romanga race, which is to occur this weekend, has served as a stage for remembrance by the entire F1 grid, as well as some F2 and F3 drivers, who showed up together in matching yellow Senna shirts and sporting red Ratzenberger wristbands. Retired driver Sebastian Vettel led the group around the track, running past the fatal corner of Ayrton’s crash, where Vettel delivered a heartfelt tribute to the legend himself. He handed out locks for the drivers present to place on the fence in dedication to Senna. They then continued in the rain around the track to the spot of Ratzenberger’s crash, where Vettel once again dedicated a moving speech to a deceased Formula 1 legend. The event was moving and beautiful and truly demonstrated the brotherly spirit of Formula 1. Ayrton Senna was an incredible driver, competitor, and friend to everyone on and off the track, and clearly continues to inspire the spirit of Formula 1 today. May he rest in peace.