Happy Birthday, Ayrton Senna

Ayrton Senna would have been 58 yesterday. Even though twenty-four years have passed since his tragic death, there are times I can’t help feel nostalgic about what he brought to the sport of F1. It was a different era: a transition between the old ways and the modern, when motor racing was fast embracing the new technology and the smell of petrol fumes gave way to the surface glamour. Even though I was only nine years old at the time Senna died, it’s a time in my life I remember especially well. They say everyone remembers where they were when Kennedy died – at least everyone old enough to remember!

I still remember where I was when Senna died.

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For me, Senna was the greatest of them all. His 65 podiums, 41 as the victor and 80 poles alone stand testament to the achievements of a true champion. Strong among my memories of him are his ability to seemingly dominate in the wet and basically ruling Monaco.

Of course, there were also the Hollywood moments!

While his rivalry with Mansell, and especially Prost, was easily enough on its own to make the sport worth watching, for me what made Senna particularly impressive was his incredible resilience and focus – special even in a sport that relies so heavily on both. Even as a young boy, evidence of his dedication to his dreams is easily found. Senna worked particularly hard during the school day in order to be able to spend more time practicing with his go-kart later in the day. No question he lived and breathed racing and the fans would one day live and breathe him. Even this last day I notice tributes to him are common.

Some people you just don’t forget!

Though F1 has evolved in many ways for the better, there are some things that sadly are lost forever. At times it somehow feels less real than in Senna’s day. Stopping on the final corner or allowing a teammate to pass may be the sensible thing to do on paper, but I for one always loved Senna’s (and Prost’s) commitment to the ultimate goal, even if it meant losing the race.

And ultimately his life.

Twenty-four years have passed, yet there are times it still seems like you never left. Happy birthday, Champ. Rest in peace. And thank you for the memories!

All images courtesy of Wikipedia

Senna quotes:

I have no idols. I admire work, dedication and competence.

Being second is to be the first of the ones who lose.

And suddenly I realised that I was no longer driving the car consciously. I was driving it by a kind of instinct, only I was in a different dimension.

I continuously go further and further learning about my own limitations, my body limitation, psychological limitations. It's a way of life for me.

If you have God on your side, everything becomes clear.

In a split second, it's gone.

When you are fitted in a racing car and you race to win, second or third place is not enough.

Wealthy men can't live in an island that is encircled by poverty. We all breathe the same air. We must give a chance to everyone, at least a basic chance.

Money is a strange business. People who haven't got it aim it strongly. People who have are full of troubles.