“In every era there is someone who changes the sport and he was one of those people.”
The words of Damon Hill in memory of Ayrton Senna, the charismatic and legendary Brazilian driver whose talent behind the wheel of a racing car ensured that he transcended the sport in which he made his name.
May 1st marks the 30th anniversary of the death of the three-time world champion at the San Marino Grand Prix.
Imola 1994 was a dark and traumatic weekend for Formula 1.
Roland Ratzenberger, the Austrian Simtek driver, died in an accident during Saturday’s qualifying.
Senna was then killed in an accident during the race the following day.
Thirty years have passed, but Senna and his career story remain as inspiring and insightful as ever. What fascinated the world so much about a brilliant yet committed racing driver from Sao Paulo?
Sky Sports F1’s Damon Hill, who was Senna’s teammate on that fateful Imola weekend, gives an insightful first-hand insight into the Brazilian below.
“People were fascinated by him”
Damon Hill, Williams teammate:
“In every era there is someone who changes the sport and I believe he was one of those people. He changed the sport, he changed the approach. He was much more aggressive and committed, to the point of crazy. But he had that kind of self-confidence, and I think that inspired people – I think they were fascinated by him.
Damon Hill was Senna’s last teammate
“I think he was a bit of a shock to the system when he came into Formula 1 because he was brave. I think that’s why everyone wanted him on their team, because they knew this was the guy who was going to give it his all. “I really had to squeeze every last drop out of the car.
“Sometimes it went wrong, sometimes he went too far – but the fans loved him and he was a huge symbol of hope and success for Brazilians and people around the world.”
“He had an aura of uniqueness about him and he didn’t do anything stupid, he was a very serious person. He wasn’t here to have fun, he was clearly here to do business. From that point on he seemed pretty intimidating.” But whatever attitude he had off the track was backed up by his results on the track. It wasn’t that he was putting on a show, he was the right guy.
Ratzenberger and Senna will be remembered in Imola
As the 30th anniversary of their deaths falls during the week of the Miami Grand Prix, celebratory tributes will be paid to both drivers at Imola.
The municipality of Imola, together with the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari, is organizing a day of remembrance that F1 fans can attend for free.
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Roland Ratzenberger’s teammate at Simtek, David Brabham, his team boss Nick Wirth and his race engineer Humphrey Corbett pay tribute to the racing driver
The celebration of the drivers’ lives includes a tour of the circuit, moments of silence and the sharing of excerpts from films and books made about them.
The day is part of a three-month celebration of Senna’s legacy. An exhibition has been on display at the San Domenico Museum since March 21st.
Speaking at the release of plans to celebrate Senna’s legacy in March, F1 president Stefano Domenicali said: “We have experienced difficult moments, but we must try to remember the aspects that will allow us to look to the future. We know that many things have changed in the future sports since this tragic situation.
More honors will be paid when Formula 1 returns to Imola in two weeks for the 2024 Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix.
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Sky Sports’ Craig Slater is at Alpine HQ as they pay tribute to Ted Toleman and Ayrton Senna and speaks to Pierre Gasly who reveals what it was like to take a drive in Senna’s Formula 1 car
Remembering Senna on Sky Sports
Sky Sports F1 is re-airing several special features about Senna, which will run on the channel from Wednesday as a tribute to the great Brazilian:
Legends of F1: Ayrton Senna
Steve Rider pays tribute to the life and career of Formula 1 star Ayrton Senna. With contributions from Ron Dennis, Alain Prost and Gerhard Berger.
Wednesday: 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m
Senna… with Murray Walker
Formula 1 legend Murray Walker and leading journalists Maurice Hamilton and David Tremayne join Simon Lazenby to look back on the Brazilian’s legendary career.
Wednesday: 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m
A successful partnership
Former McLaren boss Ron Dennis looks back on his extremely successful partnership with Ayrton Senna. The Brazilian won all three of his world titles with the British team.
Wednesday: 4:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m
The last teammate
Damon Hill and David Brabham, Senna and Ratzenberger’s respective teammates in 1994, return to Imola to relive Formula 1’s fateful weekend.
Wednesday: 5:00 p.m., 8:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m
Race to perfection: Imola 1994
Formula 1 has experienced spectacular highs and devastating lows. This episode remembers the riders who fought back against adversity – and those who lost their lives in the process.
Wednesday: 9 p.m
Memories of Senna
Martin Brundle, Dennis Rushen, Damon Hill and Bruno Senna recall their fondest memories of three-time world champion Ayrton Senna, recorded 20 years after his tragic death.
Wednesday: 9.30 p.m
Remembering Ratzenberger
A look back at the life and career of Roland Ratzenberger on the 30th anniversary of his death. The Austrian debutant died in qualifying for the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix.
Thursday: 12 p.m
Cheers to Senna
Alain Prost, Senna’s most famous rival and former teammate, speaks openly about his relationship with the Brazilian.
Thursday: 12.30 p.m
Watch the Miami Grand Prix live on Sky Sports F1 this weekend, starting with first practice on Friday at 5:30pm.