Formula 1 has confirmed one of the sport’s most iconic cars, driven by the incomparable Ayrton Senna, will take part in a tribute run at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix next month.
Senna and McLaren are a partnership synonymous with success, with footage of the three-time world champion now cemented in F1 folklore, his driving prowess still considered unmatched today.
The record books have Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton as the greatest drivers statistically, but no other driver before or since evokes the same emotions or respect as the Brazilian.
When Schumacher matched his pole position record of 65 at the 2001 Italian Grand Prix, the then four-time world champion visibly broke down in the post-race press conference in a rare showing of vulnerability.
During his 10-year career between 1984 and 1994, Senna won 41 races, still sixth on the all-time list, and scored 80 podium finishes for Toleman, Lotus, and McLaren before his tragic death at Imola at the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix.
The Brazilian’s enduring legacy has seen vast improvements to F1 safety and an awareness of the enormous wealth he gave to underprivileged children in Brazil.
The Instituto Ayrton Senna, which still operates today, was founded following his death and continues to be a source of inspiration to millions of Brazilians.
The return of an icon
As part of the commemorations and the Senna Sempre (Senna Forever) campaign, McLaren and Honda will bring the 1990 MP4/5B back to life for its demo run at the track where he was worshipped.
The driver’s identity has yet to be disclosed, with confirmation not arriving until before the run begins, with much debate about who will reunite this iconic car with Sao Paulo after 34 years.
The 1990 F1 season was a classic, as Senna and arch rival once again battled for title glory, with Prost now driving for Ferrari, hoping to end Maranello’s title drought.
But 1990 is perhaps most remembered for the infamous crash at the first corner of the season finale in Japan, which eliminated the title protagonists, handing Senna the title.
Prost had started on pole position, Senna alongside, with the Brazilian attempting to overtake his rival on the inside, but the gap closed, and both were beached in the gravel.
Fans attending the race weekend are invited to wear blue and green clothing, matching his iconic and instantly recognisable helmet that defined his career as much as his immeasurable driving skill.
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