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.

McLaren career

In 1988 Senna joined the McLaren team with Alain Prost as his team mate. The foundation for a fierce competition between Senna and Prost was laid, culminating in a number of dramatic race incidents between the two. The pair won 15 of 16 races in 1988 with Senna coming out on top, achieving his first World Drivers Championship. The following year their rivalry intensified into battles on the track and psychological war off it. Prost took the championship after the infamous Suzuka chicane incident. For the following year, 1990, Prost moved to Ferrari, but their rivalry continued, culminating in the notorious 'professional foul' committed at the beginning of the title-deciding Japanese Grand Prix in 1990.

Related Topics:
1988 - McLaren - Alain Prost

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For this race pole position had incorrectly been designated on the 'dirty' side of the track. Senna made a request to officials that it be repositioned, but after achieving pole position he found the placement unchanged. At the start of the race Prost pulled ahead but when attempting to take the first right-handed corner he found Senna plowing into him. Telemetry showed Senna made no attempt to decelerate as the corner approached. Both drivers were removed from the race, meaning that Senna won the championship. Senna later hinted that it was payback for Prost taking them both out the year before in the 1989 Suzuka chicane incident. For many, however, it was an act of breathtaking cynicism and one for which Senna received much criticism. He was accused of introducing a "video game" mentality of "win at all costs" into the sport, an accusation later repeated against his successor Michael Schumacher.

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On the track Senna could be ruthless, showing extreme determination and precision. This was especially so in qualifying, a discipline he mastered like noone before to produce a record 65 poles. Senna still holds this record for number of pole positions, eleven years after his death.

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Senna also won the Monaco GP six times, a record in itself and a tribute to his skills which earned him the title "Master of Monaco".

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