Since he was a boy, the introvert from São Paulo knew he would go far. After shining in karting, he was Formula Ford champion, he shined in Formula 3, but his mind was already thinking about the top of motorsport, as journalist Reginaldo Leme says.
Ayrton was Brazil that worked – Cacá Bueno
“How would he be so sure? Mentally, he was already a multiple Formula 1 champion”, he says. Senna only made his Formula 1 debut in 1984, with the Toleman team, the following season, with Lotus. And in the second race, at the Estoril Circuit, he already showed that for him There wasn’t bad weather, Senna just didn’t make it rain, but how well he did on the wet track!
Ayrton and McLaren union was unbeatable in 1988
In 1988, Ayrton Senna’s era at McLaren began. With that machine, he didn’t have it for anyone this season, not even his teammate, Alain Prost. And it was this year, at the Japanese GP, that he couldn’t start from pole position, but from 17th position, he passed everyone and won his first title in Formula 1.
The rivalry with Frenchman Prost was a show in itself. The driver won the following season, throwing the car at Senna. In 1990, the two competed in the world championship until the last race in Japan. Senna started in front, but in the first corner, he got the better of his rival, who had gone to Ferrari. And so, he raised his second mug.
Victory without marching at Interlagos marked Senna’s career
The year 1991 was unforgettable for Brazilians, not only because of Senna’s three world championships, but also because of what happened in Interlagos. Senna won his first victory at home with emotion, with practically no gear. A physical effort so intense that he was unable to get out of the car alone.
Senna’s death leaves legacy
Senna’s last season, in 1994, is even difficult to remember. The driver changed teams and went to Williams. In the third race, in Imola, Italy, Senna’s steering bar broke and lost control of the car.
Senna left the track only physically. The legacy he left for Brazilians is eternal and it is not just about the Ayrton Senna Institute. The idol also helped save the lives of subsequent generations of drivers as well, changing safety in the category.
The driver of so many drivers left much more than happy memories of those Sunday mornings in Interlagos and the Formula 1 titles. Ayrton Senna became a great example who, in one way or another, is more alive than ever. It’s on everyone’s faces, in squares and murals around the world, continuing to be present. Good thing, because our leader never admitted to falling behind.
Tags: years Ayrton Senna idol continues influence generations death
