‘ The harder I push, the more I find within myself. I am always looking for the next step, a different world to go into, areas I have not been before. It’s lonely driving a Grand Prix car, but very absorbing. I have experienced new sensations, and I want more. That is my excitement, my motivation.’ These are the words of Ayerton Senna da Silva, one of the greatest Formula 1 car drivers the world has ever seen. For him driving was a means of self discovery, a means of self realisation, a means of salvation.
When I started reading about Formula 1 car racing and started following the sport in my teens, I came across two names most often, Alain Prost from France and Ayerton Senna from Brazil. They both were locked in a fierce battle for supremacy in the sport, with Alain Prost the champion and Ayerton Senna the challenger. In 1989 Ayerton Senna won his first Formula 1 Championsip and then followed up with back to back titles in 1990 and 91. I was a huge fan of Senna, as were millions across the world. I just liked him and wanted him to win every race. I followed Formula 1 racing with deep interest then, only because of Ayerton Senna.
1st May 1994, The San Marino Grand Prix, Imola Italy
The San Marino F1 Grand Prix race held on 1st May 1994, will go down in the history of car racing as the most tragic race of all times. Two accidents took place, with two deaths in the span of two days. Ayerton Senna was at the peak of his career and also the most senior driver on the circuit. He had been talking extensively for safety in the sport and suggesting ways and means of doing it. During qualification the Austrian rookie driver Roland Ratzenberger was killed in an accident on the San Marino track. Senna was one of the first to rush to the hospital in tears. However he wasn’t aware what was in store for him the next day.
On 1st May 1994,before the start of the race, Senna spoke to his old rival and then retired Alain Prost about restarting the Grand Prix Driver’s Association , a driver’s union with the aim of improving safety in Formula 1 racing. Such was his concern for safety of drivers. The race began with Senna in the lead and with the emerging Micheal Schumacher( whom I greatly admire) in hot pursuit.
During a sharp turn on the 7 th lap, Senna driving at 307 kmph, went off the track and hit the concrete retaining walls at 233 kmph. The collision was extremely severe. Within minutes of the crash, Senna was extracted from the car. He had suffered skull fractures, brain injury and a punctured temporal artery resulting in massive loss of blood. The injuries proved fatal. The world was shocked. Ayerton Senna, just 34, one of the finest of his trade, had died. I was stunned beyond words.
For the Brazilians, Senna’s death was nothing short of a national tragedy. A pall of gloom and sorrow had descended on the nation and the Government of Brazil announced three days of national mourning. An estimated 3 million people flocked the streets of Sao Paulo to mourn their Hero. Many consider this to be one of the largest gathering of mourners in modern times. Ayerton Senna was very aptly given a State Funeral. Undoubtedly he was no ordinary soul.
Apart from being exceptional in his skill and particularly matchless under wet conditions, Senna was an extremely sensitive individual. He was known to be a greater man outside the car than he was in it. Senna was truly inspirational. He had great belief in the Almighty. He pushed himself to the limits and left to be with his maker in pursuing what he most desired.
‘ Nada pode me separar du amor de Deus ‘ is inscribed on his grave in Portugese, meaning ‘ Nothing can separate me from the love of God ‘.
RIP Senna….a tribute from an inspired fan.