Ayrton Senna
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The 2024 season kicked off similarly to the previous season. The Red Bull team dominated the circuit, inching towards its fourth consecutive world title. However, McLaren and Ferrari geared up to halt the Verstappen-RBR juggernaut. In 2024, Ferrari and McLaren are the only two teams to defeat Red Bull. Carlos Sainz took advantage of Max Verstappen’s technical failure earlier, clinching the Australian GP. 

Recently, McLare brought some upgrades to give stiff competition to the Austrian outfit. As a result, Max Verstappen was dethroned from his dominion in Miami, where he had previously reigned uncontested. Further, Lando Norris almost defeated the Dutchman for the second time, but the three-time world champion stood tall. As the Monaco GP awaits, McLaren has a special tribute to its legendary driver- Ayrton Senna. 

   

McLaren Pays Tribute To Its Legendary Driver

Ayrton Senna is considered one of the greatest drivers of all time, but his life ended tragically at the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix. Severe incidents marked the weekend: Rubens Barrichello survived a brutal crash, and Roland Ratzenberger died during qualifying after hitting a wall at high speed. However, despite being visibly shaken, Senna decided to race. On the seventh lap, his car lost control at the dangerous Tamburello corner and crashed into a concrete barrier at 190 mph. Consequently, debris from the crash caused severe head injuries. With the medical team’s efforts, Senna was airlifted to a nearby hospital, where he was declared dead. 1 May 2024 marked thirty years since his tragic death. Therefore, the F1 fraternity is paying tribute to the legend of motorsport. 

McLaren, the team that propelled Senna to success, is ready to commemorate the legend. The Brazilian racer was among the most successful in the Monaco Grand Prix. Notably, he won the Monte-Carlo race more than any other driver, winning six times in his ten appearances. Therefore, MCL38s will be in the livery inspired by Ayrton Senna’s helmet. The Senna-inspired livery will have a Brazilian green, yellow, and blue instead of the regular orange. Moreover, the Australian Oscar Piastri would drive his McLaren on the streets of Monte Carlo in memory of the Brazilian legend. Bianca Senna, the niece of Ayrton and CEO Senna Brand, appreciated McLaren’s efforts. Furthermore, she emphasized the significance of McLaren in Senna’s life, highlighting the considerable success they achieved together. 

Sebastian Vettel Drives Historic McLaren At Imola As A Tribute To Senna 

sebastian vettel williams fw14.v1
Dom Romney / Motorsport Images

Sebastian Vettel recently organized a run to pay tribute to Ayrton Senna. As 1 May marked 30 years after Ayrton Senna’s unfortunate accident, the F1 fraternity ran together to pay its tribute. Stars like Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen were also present during the run. 

Moreover, Vettel throttled Senna’s legendary F1 car, McLaren MP4/8. The four-time world champion was in tears after driving teh legendary vehicle. The San Marino GP was one of the most disheartening events in motorsport history. The Austrian Racer Roland Ratzenberger was also a victim of this race, losing his life.