Ayrton Senna: 53 Years

[Tristan Clark]

Yesterday, the 21st of March 2013, would have marked the 53rd birthday of Formula 1 great Ayrton Senna. While it should be a celebration of one of the fastest drivers the world has ever seen, we can’t help but feel overwhelming sadness that such an inspirational athlete had his life cut short in a tragic accident. He is considered by many as the greatest Formula 1 driver in history based upon his astounding speed, unparalleled competitiveness and his success considering the quality of the opposition he faced.



Ayrton Senna was born on the 21st of March 1960 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. He began karting at the age of 13, and contested the Karting World Championship from 1978 to 1982 before moving to single seater racing. Senna joined Formula 1 team “Toleman” for the 1984 season, and made his debut at the Brazillian Grand Prix in Rio de Janeiro. His best result of the 1984 season came at the Monaco Grand Prix in wet conditions, where he finished second after qualifying in 13th position. Senna raced for Lotus from 1985 to 1987 before signing to drive for McLaren with Alain Prost in 1988. Senna won his first world championship that year, followed by his second title in 1990, and third in 1991. Senna switched to Williams in 1994; however he would only ever compete in three races for the team. Senna endured a difficult beginning to his career with Williams; however he took pole position in qualifying at the San Marino Grand Prix. Senna led Schumacher early in the race, however shortly after an early restart, Ayrton’s car left the track at Tamburello and hit the concrete wall on the outside of the corner. He would lose his life shortly after.

The amazing thing about Ayrton Senna was the way that he captured the imagination of sports fans all over the world. He was an exceptionally competitive athlete, who had an unrelenting desire to win no matter the circumstance. He was a hero to many millions of people around the world, with fans who followed his journey every step of the way. Ayrton left a legacy that will never be matched. It has inspired a new generation of fans, many of whom never actually witnessed him race in person or on television. I was born just two months before Senna died, however when I’m asked for my favourite Formula One driver, I always reply “Ayrton Senna”. My father has told me incessantly about how much I would have loved watching Senna. He has told stories about staying up to all hours on a Monday morning to watch him race, and how special it was to travel to Adelaide every year to watch him compete live. I’ve heard how amazing he was in the wet, how he once approached the final corner at Adelaide with only three wheels, how exciting it was to follow Formula 1 when Senna was fighting with Prost, Mansell and the FIA.



As we approach the 19th Anniversary of that fateful weekend at Imola, Ayrton’s contribution to the safety of modern Formula 1 must also be appreciated. We have not seen a death in the sport for almost 20 years. Ayrton’s charity, set up shortly before his death, has invested nearly 80 million dollars into social programs to assist those less fortunate to achieve their full potential. His legacy, not only as racing driver, but as a humanitarian, cannot be overlooked. It’s important that we celebrate the life of Ayrton Senna, as we may never see another driver who could push a car so much harder than anyone thought possible. We may never see another driver with such a fierce competitive instinct. We may never see a talent like Senna again.

Rest in peace, Ayrton. You are an inspiration to us all.

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[Dan Hawkins]

Beautiful article Tristan

 

[Hampus Andersson]

The real rainmaster,

 

[racerpv]

All hail Senna! Hail! Hail!

 

[cowboy2]

The greatest motor racer ever,to think of his skill in pushing those era cars to the absolute limit, awesome. Just look at some of the onboard car footage especially around monaco having to change gears with one hand off the steering wheel, LEGEND.

 

[Tom]

Beautiful article Tristan

Good that I motivated him to write something up.

 

[Jimi Hughes]

Great article and a wonderful tribute. RIP

 

[Terry Evers]

/sheds a tear*

True inspiration indeed .. Rest in peace Ayrton.

 

[Eric Jaeger]

Great tribute article, very well written. I admire Ayrton not only for his driving skill but for the things he did off track. Anyone who can not draw some type of inspiration from his life is truly lost.

 

[Andrew Holmes]

Senna was the best ever but you have got a fact wrong in this article; Senna began karting when he was four years old, not thirteen

 

[Marc Goaderoch]

Bel article !

 

[brazone]

What a good article, good to see people remember him this way. It's impossible to forget those sunday mornings watching his races!

 

[Terry Evers]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AF4IaMccJz4

 

[Terry Evers]

Legendary stuff

 

[Terry Rock]

Thanks for doing this article.
Wish he was still here...growing old gracefully and fishing somewhere in Brazil while watching his kids grow up.
It was just too painful losing Ayrton, Roland and almost Rubens on that horrible weekend.

 

[Diego Lopez]

finally found this article. Thought RD forgot about the legend, anyways. Happy late b-day legend! All hail master of master, god of gods of F1 !

 

[Craig Johnston]

Top gears tribute made for his 50th is well worth a watch if you haven't seen it.