echo The mention of Ayrton Senna may turn a few heads; for some, it’s a name that sparks nostalgia—memories of a fearless Formula 1 driver who dominated the sport through the 1980’s and 90’s with unparalleled skill and a passion for driving. For others, it’s a name newly discovered, perhaps through the release of Netflix’s miniseries, Senna, which brings his life story to a whole new generation of fans all across the globe.
Whether you reflect upon his on and off-track battles with McLaren teammate, Alain Prost, or his unique wet-weather race capabilities, there is no denying that Senna’s legacy is timeless, and undoubtedly leaves a strong impression; one that stays embedded in the hearts of old and new fans alike.
Former Formula 1 driver, Ayrton Senna
In April 1988, Ayrton Senna began his first season with McLaren; a partnership that often defines his legacy to this day. As another April comes around, there is no better time to reflect on the brilliance, passion and lasting impact of a driver that redefined the world of Formula 1.
Promotional teaser poster for Netflix’s Senna
Matt Mella as Alain Prost and Gabriel Leone as Ayrton Senna
Who Is Ayrton Senna?
Ayrton Senna da Silva was born on March 21st 1960 in Sao Paulo, Brazil, to father Milton da Silva (who was a land and factory owner) and his wife, Neyde Senna. To this day, Senna’s name remains engraved as Brazil’s national hero, whether or not this is in the context of motorsports. His legacy extends far beyond the racetrack; symbolizing hope, resilience, and excellence for an entire nation.
Ayrton Senna hugging his father, Milton da Silva
Ayrton Senna with his mother, Neyde Senna in 1983
From Go-Karts to The Big League.. Formula 1!
Senna has always had a passion for racing. When he was just four-years-old, Senna began driving a kart built by his father. He zipped through his backyard with a natural talent, showing uncanny control for someone so young. By the time he was a teenager, karting had quickly turned from a hobby into a calling.
At age 13, Senna entered his first karting competition, to which he started at pole position, starting the race at the very front, against drivers who were much older than him! Throughout his teenage years, Senna had managed to win multiple races and championships; the 1977 South American Kart Championship, the 1978 to 1982 Karting World Championship, the British and Townsend Thoresen Formula Ford Championships and more!
Ayrton Senna, aged 4, with his first kart built by his father
Ayrton Senna’s first real kart, aged 9
Ayrton Senna during his karting days
Impressively, after winning the 1983 British Formula 3 Championship, Senna managed to jump straight into Formula 1, beginning his F1 career in 1984 with Toleman Motorsport. Nobody knew that Formula One’s latest rookie at the time would eventually win a total of three World Championships in less than a decade!
The following year, Senna started the 1985 season with the Lotus F1 Team, before making his undoubtedly most iconic and successful team move; to McLaren, earning him his three World Championships. It was with McLaren that Senna truly cemented his status as a legend.
Between 1988 and 1993, he dazzled fans with his breathtaking speed, bold overtakes, and rain-soaked masterclasses that left even the most experienced drivers in awe. After all, it is in wet-weather race conditions that a driver’s skill can truly be demonstrated to the world. He showcased his exceptional talent in a way that irrevocably changed how the world saw him; a rising legend in the making.
Ayrton Senna with his team at McLaren
Ayrton Senna’s McLaren MP4/4 (in 1988)
Teammates, Enemies or Friends?
Admittedly, throughout his career, Senna has had his fair share of rivalries with other drivers on the grid, whether it be Martin Brundle, Terry Fullerton or Nelson Piquet. But when it came to Alain Prost, it was something else entirely.
To this day, the Senna-Prost rivalry is considered the greatest rivalry in Formula 1 history, so much so that mentioning one almost demands a thought of the other. Being teammates at McLaren through 1988 and 1989, both drivers were striving to be the team’s top priority, leading to countless battles on and off the track. Their competitiveness constantly pushed each other to their limits (and sometimes, this led to crashes).
McLaren drivers, Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost
Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost at Monte Carlo, Monaco in 1989
With two drivers of such talent, it isn’t surprising they were stubborn. In the 1989 Japanese GP, Prost’s clash with Senna sparked accusations of intentional sabotage. The following year, Senna’s refusal to yield led to both cars crashing out, costing them the race and the title. They were practically the textbook definition of rivals.
However, time does have a funny way of mending even the most bitter of spats, doesn’t it? In the years following their infamous crashes, the two found a mutual respect that turned this supposed rivalry into a friendship.
Prost and Senna following their crash at the 1990 Japanese Grand Prix
Speaking His Mind—Always
Senna was always outspoken, fearless. Unlike other drivers, he did not shy away from controversy. He often voiced concerns about safety in Formula 1, criticised race officials when he believed decisions were unfair, and wasn’t afraid to show emotion in a sport that often demanded stoicism and acceptance. He openly argued with the FIA, shared his opinions (whether or not they followed a vast majority) to raise awareness and wore his heart on his sleeve.
His honesty was both admired and criticised, but it was undeniably what made him so unique compared to other drivers; he felt human. He was someone who fought for what was right, and who prioritised both his and his fellow drivers’ safety above all, wanting everyone to come out of their cars’ cockpits unharmed. Senna viewed racing as an experience, and he treated every race with sacred respect. He did not just race to win, but to stand for something greater than just a spot on the podium.
Ayrton Senna winning his first Driver’s Championship in 1988
Senna’s bright personality and charisma endeared him to fans worldwide
Imola 1994: When The Crowds Went Silent
On May 1st, 1994, at the San Marino Grand Prix in Imola, the motorsport world would grieve. Earlier that weekend, Roland Ratzenberger tragically crashed into a concrete wall during qualifying, dying instantly of skull fracture and other fatal injuries. Senna was deeply shaken by Ratzenberger’s death, and the very thought of continuing the race weekend felt unbelievably difficult for him to comprehend. Those closest to him remember how broken he was, and the inner turmoil he faced; to race, or walk away?
But Senna ultimately decided to race not only for his fans, but for Ratzenberger. As a tribute to the fallen driver, Senna kept an Austrian flag in his car (as Ratzenberger was Austrian), ready to wave it if he were to make it to the podium. It was a symbol of respect for the driver who had lost his life, and an unspoken promise that he would carry Ratzenberger’s spirit with him throughout the race. Senna wasn’t just racing for himself anymore, but for those who couldn’t, and he wanted to use this opportunity to work towards safety reforms he believed Formula 1 desperately needed.
But in doing so, he unknowingly walked into his own fate.
Ayrton Senna crashes at the 1994 Imola GP
When Senna crashed into a concrete wall at high speed, the silence was deafening. Senna was immediately airlifted to the hospital, but just four hours later, everyone’s worst fears were confirmed; Ayrton Senna, the legend, the very heart of Formula 1, had died. In an instant, the world lost a man who inspired millions, who risked his life for each race, who spoke up for others, whose passion for racing was so intense, he lost his life to it.
Ayrton Senna’s Williams FW16 following the crash
The death of both Senna and Ratzenberger served as a cold, unyielding reminder of how fragile life is. Formula 1 was already dangerous to begin with, and Senna too knew this, but his death was the cruelest wake-up call possible. These drivers had families, dreams and purposes that extended far beyond the racetrack.
Ayrton Senna adjusting his mirrors before the 1994 Imola GP starts
Senna’s Everlasting Legacy and Impact
While Senna’s death marked an unfortunate end of an era, it also became an incentive for change. This led to the reformation of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA). The goal of this was to ensure that drivers had a unified voice, especially when it came to safety matters, track conditions and FIA regulations.
The 2024 GPDA making a tribute to Senna at the 2024 Sao Paulo GP
Formula 1 also made the effort to redesign tracks to reduce speeds and enhance safety. The infamous Tamburello corner, where Senna crashed, was re-profiled; an attempt to prevent history from repeating itself. Car designs and regulations were also tweaked, with higher cockpit sides, sturdier crash structures, and stricter safety standards.
These changes transformed the sport. In fact, Formula 1 went two full decades without a single fatality; a remarkable feat until the tragic loss of Jules Bianchi in 2015. It’s a powerful testament to how seriously the sport responded to Senna’s passing, and how his legacy lives on in every life that’s now protected.
McLaren’s 2024 Monaco GP livery design to honor Ayrton Senna
Gone, But Never Forgotten
Decades after his passing, Ayrton Senna remains a symbol of determination, passion, and change. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or discovering him through a Netflix series or a clip on social media, Senna’s impact is undeniable. He left behind more than trophies; he left hope, purpose, and a legacy. Senna’s story lives in every heart that still races for something.
Some legends fade with time. But Senna, somehow, only grows brighter.
Ayrton Senna during a podium celebration
Written By: Ashley
Edited By: Tisyha
