Senna Didn’t Just Race, He Believed: Remembering Ayrton Senna

The myth. The legend. The greatest of all time in motorsport. Ayrton Senna. Ayrton Senna is a household name in motorsport but many don’t know his significance in it or who he was as a person. This article covers why we remember him at the Brazil Grand Prix.

(Image Credit to Monaco F1 Posters)

Who is Ayrton Senna?

Ayrton Senna was a Brazilian Formula One driver, widely regarded as the greatest racing talent in the history of the sport. Born in São Paulo in 1960, Senna made his F1 debut in 1984, quickly gaining attention for his fearless driving style, incredible precision and unmatched skill in wet conditions. Throughout his career, he won three world championships (1988, 1990 and 1991) with McLaren and earned a reputation for his intense focus and deep spirituality both on and off track. Senna became a national hero in Brazil, representing a symbol of hope, pride and resilience during challenging times. His death at the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix left an enormous impact on motorsport and helped to create what it is today.

To read more about Senna’s racing career, read this article link 

Why should we be remembering him at the Brazilian Grand Prix?

The memory of Ayrton Senna is honoured at the Brazilian Grand Prix as it is where he was born and grew up. Interlagos was where his heart truly raced, with Senna wearing the Brazilian flag on his race suit. Senna wasn’t just another Formula 1 driver in Brazil; He was Brazil’s hero. Every time he drove at his home race, the crowd filled the stands waving yellow and green flags, chanting his name and celebrating him like no other. His victory at the 1991 Brazilian Grand Prix is one of the most iconic moments in Formula 1 history. Despite his car getting stuck in sixth gear near the end of the race, Senna refused to give up. He pushed through the challenges and crossed the line to win in front of his home fans, nearly collapsing from exhaustion in the cockpit. That win became a symbol of his determination, passion and love for Brazil.

How do we remember him today?

Even decades after his death in 1994, fans still honour Senna at every Brazilian Grand Prix. Drivers will often wear helmets inspired by him, teams might have special liveries, and last year, Sebastian Vettel held an event. They are all inspired by the famous yellow and green design that Ayrton Senna raced in. Fans often chant “Senna! Senna!” which echoes through Interlagos. For Brazilians and F1 fans around the world, the Brazilian Grand Prix isn’t just about speed; it’s about remembering a legend who gave everything for his country and the sport. 

(Image credit to Daily Mail)

(Image credit to ESPN)

Last year's Brazilian Grand Prix was filled with tributes to the driver, remembering him 30 years after his fatal crash. On his way into the paddock, Lewis Hamilton wore a custom-made leather set which featured Senna on the back of his jacket with his name written in italics below. He was also given the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to drive Senna's 1990 McLaren. Whilst driving the champion-winning car around the circuit, Hamilton raised the Brazilian flag, reminiscent of what Senna planned to do to honour Austrian driver Roland Ratzenberger.

(Image credit to Racingnews365)

Along with Hamilton’s tribute, Formula 1 also honoured Senna through custom podium hats. The hats featured the iconic Brazilian green and yellow with Senna’s name written across the back. It was worn by podium finishes, Verstappen, Ocon and Gasly

(Image credit to F1 Gate)

The biggest event of the weekend, however, was Sebastian Vettel’s well-planned memorial. Through collaborating with local artists, Vettel constructed a replica of Senna’s iconic helmet with recycled materials. Per the initial press release, the helmet symbolised “both Ayrton Senna’s legacy and the urgent need for environmental stewardship in today’s world” and serves as “a powerful reminder of how collective efforts can lead to meaningful change.” The inside of the helmet, accessible for people to enter, was filled with black and white images of memorable moments from Senna’s life and career.

Some other examples outside the 2024 Brazilian Grand Prix include Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri’s 2024 Monaco Grand Prix helmet, McLaren Monaco Grand Prix special livery, Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton’s 2021 Brazil Grand Prix helmets, Pierre Gasly's 2020 Imola Grand Prix helmet, Gabriel Bortoleto's 2024 helmet from after Imola and Monte Carlo and Sebastian Vettel's track run in Monza.

Article written by Faith Ashington ©️Faith Ashington 2025