Ayrton Senna

Ayrton Senna da Silva was a Brazilian racing driver widely regarded as one of the greatest in the history of Formula 1. He won three World Drivers' Championships, in 1988, 1990 and 1991, all with McLaren, and took 41 Grand Prix victories and a then-record 65 pole positions across his career.

Senna arrived in Formula 1 in 1984 with the modest Toleman team, immediately announcing himself with a stunning run to second in the rain-soaked Monaco Grand Prix. After three seasons with Lotus he joined McLaren in 1988, where his fierce rivalry with team-mate Alain Prost defined an era of the sport.

Renowned for his blistering one-lap pace, his mastery of wet conditions and his deeply analytical approach, Senna was killed in an accident at the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix while leading for Williams. His legacy endures through the Instituto Ayrton Senna and his enduring influence on generations of drivers.