Ayrton Senna da Silva

One of the greatest Formula 1 drivers of all time

Ayrton Senna smiling during his Formula 1 career — Ayrton Senna, three-time Formula 1 World Champion, remembered as a national hero in Brazil and a legend worldwide.

Timeline of Ayrton Senna’s Life and Career

1960 – Born on March 21 in São Paulo, Brazil.
1973 – Begins kart racing at age 13, quickly showing natural talent.
1981 – Moves to England to compete in single-seater racing, winning the Formula Ford 1600 Championship.
1983 – Wins the British Formula 3 Championship, gaining attention from Formula 1 teams.
1984 – Makes his Formula 1 debut with Toleman; impresses in the Monaco Grand Prix, finishing second in the rain.
1985 – Joins Lotus and achieves his first F1 victory at the Portuguese Grand Prix.
1988 – Moves to McLaren; wins his first World Championship, beginning a legendary rivalry with Alain Prost.
1990 – Wins his second Formula 1 World Championship.
1991 – Wins his third Formula 1 World Championship, celebrated with immense pride in Brazil.
1994 – Tragically passes away on May 1 during the San Marino Grand Prix at Imola, Italy. His death profoundly impacts Formula 1 safety reforms.

“Being a racing driver means you are racing with other people. And if you no longer go for a gap that exists, you’re no longer a racing driver.”
— Ayrton Senna

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