Ayrton Senna

March 21, 1960 – May 1, 1994 · Racing driver · Brazil

“Fastest of all, gone too soon”

Brazilian Formula One driver and three-time world champion whose speed, intensity and mastery in the rain made him a legend before his death at Imola in 1994.

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Their story

Ayrton Senna da Silva was born in São Paulo in 1960 and began racing karts as a boy, winning South American titles before moving to England to climb the single-seater ladder. He entered Formula One with Toleman in 1984, and a stunning wet-weather drive to second at Monaco that season announced an extraordinary new talent.

Driving for Lotus and then McLaren, he became the sport's defining force, winning world championships in 1988, 1990 and 1991 and taking a then-record six victories at Monaco. His rivalry with Alain Prost gripped the sport, and his qualifying laps, sixty-five pole positions in all, were regarded as displays of almost mystical concentration and commitment.

Deeply devout and quietly generous, he gave substantial sums to children's causes in Brazil, work continued today by the Ayrton Senna Institute. He died on 1 May 1994 in a crash at the San Marino Grand Prix at Imola, a loss that prompted sweeping safety reforms in motorsport. His legacy endures in every barrier raised and every Brazilian flag waved at a race track.

A life in moments

1960
Born Ayrton Senna da Silva in São Paulo, Brazil.
1984
Made his Formula One debut with Toleman and starred in the rain at Monaco.
1985
Took his first Grand Prix victory for Lotus in torrential conditions at Estoril.
1988
Won his first world championship with McLaren alongside rival Alain Prost.
1991
Claimed a third world title and finally won his home race in Brazil.
1994
Died in a crash at the San Marino Grand Prix at Imola, aged 34.
Today
Honoured as motorsport's great perfectionist, whose death made the sport safer for all who followed.