Ayrton Senna

Ayrton Senna da Silva (March 21, 1960–May 1, 1994), better known as Ayrton Senna, was a Brazilian racing driver who won the Formula One world championship three times. He is regarded by many as the greatest driver ever. His life, character and the circumstances of his death have caused his story to approach what could arguably be termed a modern legend. His death in 1994 is still mourned by Brazilians and he remains one of the most beloved Formula One personalities.

Character

Starkly contrasting to Senna's intense and unyielding will to win on the track, his exploits off it were humane and compassionate. In 1992 at Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium when during Friday free practise Erik Comas had crashed heavily on the back straight other drivers drove past the wreckage at high speed. Senna could be seen jumping out of his car and while endangering his own life, sprinting down the track to the wrecked car to reach inside and hit the electrics kill switch, to prevent a possible fire.

Related Topics:
1992 - Spa-Francorchamps - Belgium - Erik Comas

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In 1993 again at Spa-Francorchamps when Alessandro Zanardi crashed his Lotus heavily at Eau Rouge corner, Senna could again be seen jumping out of his car to help the injured driver.

Related Topics:
1993 - Alessandro Zanardi - Lotus - Eau Rouge

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Fellow Brazillian F1 driver Mauricio Gugelmin tells of an episode in 1988 where Senna and Nelson Piquet, another champion, had developed an altercation. It had started when tongue-in-cheek remarks made by Senna to a reporter had been taken out of context. Having been asked why he had not been readily available to the press for a few weeks, Senna had responded that as Piquet had just been crowned World Champion he had receded to give the press time to talk about Piquet. Piquet, who was so infuriated by these comments, told the press to ask Ayrton why he did not like women. Mauricio Gugelmin expands: "He was at my house when they called and told him Piquet's answer, wanting more of him. Even my wife was angry with that and said to him: "Ayrton, tell them to ask Piquet's wife if it is true", referring to Catherine, who was Ayrton's girl before Nelson's.

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And Ayrton refused: "No, I don't do this. If he doesn't respect anybody, I do. I don't do this to any woman."

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After Senna's death it was discovered that he had donated millions of dollars to childrens charities, a fact that he during his life, had kept very secret.

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