On May 1, 1994, Brazilian driver Ayrton Senna died at the Imola circuit in Italy. Even today, he remains a Formula 1 legend around the world, and his image is still very present in the minds of Brazilians.
Published on: 01/05/2024 – 11:54
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With our correspondent in Rio de Janeiro, Sarah Cozzolino
Perched in first place on the podium, Ayrton Senna brandishes the Brazilian flag in front of the Copacabana Palace. Carlos takes a selfie with the statue of the Brazilian legend along the beach. “ In the imagination of Brazilians, he is a superman, he declares. He had something superior. He was capable of giving up a race to save a colleague. For me he was fantastic. »
The three-time world champion was not just an outstanding driver. He had incredible charisma, according to Reinaldo. “ I was never a fan of Formula 1, but I was a fan of Ayrton Senna. I watched the races only for him, to support him. I think that after Senna we no longer had an idol of this type. »
Deuil national
Died at the height of his glory, his tragic accident is one of the days we remember exactly where we were. Fernanda was 15 years old, she watched television with her family. “ It was part of our culture: we woke up on Sunday morning and watched the races, or we asked what Ayrton Senna’s position was. I remember it was a national mourning. »
Thirty years later, she still remembers the music of victory. His son is 10 years old, he did not know Senna alive, but his legend is still intact.
Fans of the three-time Formula 1 world champion (1988, 1989 and 1991) are expected throughout May 1 in front of his grave in a cemetery in Sao Paulo, his hometown, where he was buried in 1994, at 34 years.
