F1: Top 5 Races of Ayrton Senna

Ayrton Senna remains one of the most proficient drivers to ever race in Formula One. During a career that spanned a decade, Senna blazed his own trail in the motorsports world by winning three F1 world championships, setting multiple records to his name, and doing so in a fashion so unlike anything is seen before.

Apart from being recognized for his breathtaking ability to manoeuvre his car in the wet weather, the man from Brazil was also a part of one of the most renowned rivalries in the sport with Alain Prost. Known also for his philosophical thinking, it was the small nuances that set him apart from the crowd.

Ayrton played a huge hand in ensuring an increased focus on the safety of the drivers by being one of the most vocal of the lot about the same. Unfortunately, the three-time world champion’s untimely death became the biggest reason for emphasis falling on safeguarding racers from major injuries.

Senna left behind a legacy, touching lives all over the world with everything that he achieved. Ahead of the Brazilian Grand Prix, let us have a look at some of the best races by Ayrton Senna:

#5 1988 British Grand Prix

The race was a first on many accounts for the 1988 Formula One season. It was the first time neither McLaren drivers were on the front row, the first wet race of the year, and also the first of four consecutive victories that helped Ayrton Senna clinch his maiden world championship title.

Senna had secured a third place start behind both Ferraris and, more importantly, ahead of immediate championship rival, Alain Prost. The Frenchman, by the eight race of the year, had built a lead over the Brazilian in the drivers’ standings, but that advantage was about to be cut down to only six points by the end of the British Grand Prix.

The conditions were dreary enough to make spectator visibility poor, let alone for the drivers. Ayrton, however, displayed a masterclass that could easily make one believe that his McLaren was merely an extended limb of his, even in the heavy downpour.

As Alain fell back to 15th and later retired due to handing problems, the Brazilian tailed the first placed Gerhard Berger, after quickly passing the other Ferrari driver, Michele Alboreto. Soon enough, Senna overtook Berger and with fuel consumption a major worry on the Prancing Horse driver’s mind, he was left to cross the finish line in ninth place, a result undeserving of how wonderfully he had driven that day.

Senna cruised to victory in Silverstone with Nigel Mansell trailing him in his Williams.

#4 1984 Monaco Grand Prix

Ayrton Senna’s love affair with Monaco was indeed special and to top off his favourite street circuit with a healthy dose of rain was undeniably the best formula for Senna to come into his own. In 1984, the Brazilian driver showed his mettle by dragging his Toleman-Hart to the second position by the end of the Monaco Grand Prix.

Ayrton slotted in 13th on the starting grid and rapidly manoeuvred his way ahead of most of the field. Soon enough, the rookie was closing in on the race leader, Alain Prost. In a way, the conditions were foreshadowing the upcoming enticing battles between the two rivals, but for now, the race had to be red flagged and concluded with Prost declared the winner.

Despite not becoming the eventual winner of the Grand Prix, Senna showed his prowess in merely his fifth race as a Formula One driver by delivering a stellar performance.

#3 1988 Japanese Grand Prix

Ayrton Senna qualified on pole during the 1988 Japanese Grand Prix but unfortunately, his McLaren stalled on the grid. However, all hope was not lost. The Suzuka circuit gave him the perfect opportunity to evade retirement because of the start/finish line being on a slope.

After getting his Honda-powered car to start, Senna had the uphill task of scoring worthwhile points for the championship title after he had dropped down to 14th. Perhaps it was expected of the Brazilian to put up a strong fight, but the manner in which he did so exceeded everyone’s expectations.

He efficiently made his way back up the grid and as the then race leader, Alain Prost, safeguarded his position against second placed, Ivan Capelli, Senna sifted into third and began his hunt for the race win.

By the time the March driver’s engine failed him, Ayrton was within breathing distance of the Frenchman. Once the backmarkers came into the picture, the Brazilian clinched his chance to slip past his main title rival.

Prost remained nearby for a few laps, but Senna never relented, eventually grabbing the top spot on the podium.

#2 1991 Brazilian Grand Prix

Ayrton Senna had to wait seven years since his debut and collect two world championship trophies before he could enjoy a euphoric home victory and it still didn’t come easy. An emphatic start from pole saw him pull away from the rest of the drivers

Nigel Mansell made headway into the McLaren driver’s lead, but a slow pit stop pushed him back down. Problems ensued for the Williams racer in the form of a puncture and later a retirement caused by a gearbox glitch. Senna, meanwhile, had his own share of gearbox troubles and he was ultimately left with only the sixth gear to navigate his car in.

If any believers of Greek mythology witnessed the affair, they would be certain that Zeus had a favourite that day. The skies opened up, and the Brazilian stabilized his lead over immediate rival, Riccardo Patrese.

Ayrton claimed his maiden victory at his home race, but the exertion was such that he had to be lifted out of his McLaren.

#1 1993 European Grand Prix

Ayrton Senna lined up fourth for the 1993 European Grand Prix and after initially losing a place to Karl Wendinger, the three-time world champion put forth one of the most brilliant displays of racing during the first lap itself.

He stayed on the inside to pass by Michael Schumacher on the damp track, and then overtook Karl as well as Damon Hill to slip into second place. With eyes now set on Alain Prost, Ayrton stuck to the back of the Frenchman’s Williams and ultimately claimed the lead before the first lap was over.

The rain then continued to play hide and seek but despite all the chaos, Senna emerged victoriously. He crossed the chequered flag at least a lap ahead of everyone except Damon Hill.

The race is talked about for many reasons, one of which was the Sonic the Hedgehog trophy Ayrton was handed over, another the altercation between him and Eddie Irvine. However, the first lap wonder shown by the Brazilian remains an untouchable favourite.

Edited by Sripad