As the 2024 F1 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix approaches, tributes to Ayrton Senna continue to pour in. This weekend’s race marks 30 years since the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix at Imola, which saw the tragic deaths of Senna and Roland Ratzenberger.
The latest tribute to Senna? F1 video Several active drivers on the grid answer this question: What is Ayrton Senna to you?
Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz Jr. said: “From the moment he arrived in F1, he had a physique unlike anyone else. He is one of the best F1 drivers of all time, but most importantly, probably the most charismatic. It’s sexual,” he said.
Sainz wasn’t the only driver to weigh in on Senna’s achievements and what he means to their own motorsport journeys.
“For my generation, he was a source of inspiration,” said Fernando Alonso.
“One of the most iconic and successful drivers in the history of the sport,” said Pierre Gasly. Gasly has already unveiled a Senna tribute helmet for this weekend’s race. “Ayrton was a great inspiration.”
“He remains my one and only idol,” Charles Leclerc added. “It wasn’t just his talent. It was also the hard work behind it, and the combination of the two made him very, very special. The fact that he was incredibly talented It was very exciting.”
Some of the younger drivers on the grid also shared their appreciation for the motorsport legend.
“I saw him riding one when I was driving through Monaco,” Yuki Tsunoda said. “He’s maxing out every corner with one hand. At that point I was like, ‘Oh, this guy is definitely different.’
“He had a very exciting style,” Oscar Piastri said. “His driving of the car was really hard, very aggressive, very flashy. He’s the ultimate driver in terms of speed.”
As Valtteri Bottas pointed out, Senna’s achievements continue to inspire drivers to this day. “His achievements continue to motivate people today,” added the Sauber driver.
Perhaps Kevin Magnussen sums it up best.
“Senna was always considered the biggest legend in the sport,” Magnussen said. “The greatest race driver of all time.”
You can watch the full F1 video, including Senna’s own words. here.
