In 1994, a newcomer to Formula 1, Roland Ratzenberger, tragically lost control of his car and crashed into the barrier at a staggering speed of 315 km/h during Saturday practice. This devastating incident not only claimed his life but also cast a dark cloud over the Paddock. The shocking reality of what had occurred was difficult for anyone to comprehend, and no one could have fathomed that a similar tragedy would strike again the very next day, involving a multiple World Champion.
The untimely death of Ayrton Senna is a well-documented event. However, as we reach the thirty-year mark since his fatal accident at the Imola circuit, I cannot help but wonder how he would perceive the world of Formula 1 today.
It is safe to assume that Ayrton would have strong objections to the current regulatory interpretations regarding racing. The notion of providing “adequate space” to another driver when exiting a corner would undoubtedly have offended him. Kevin Magnussen summed it up perfectly when he acknowledged his calculated actions in Miami, which were more about exploiting the rules than engaging in genuine racing.
The recent emphasis on returning to traditional tracks, such as the one last weekend, has been widely discussed. The reintroduction of gravel, in particular, was seen as a logical development. Both stewards and drivers alike welcomed the return of a natural element that could act as the ultimate judge and jury for most track limit violations.
However, the modified Imola circuit is a mere shadow of its former self. While it played a part in Senna’s tragic fate, I believe he would not have approved of its transformation. The addition of chicanes and turns has made artificial requirements a prerequisite for overtaking and, consequently, for true racing.
I often think of Senna as one of the last true Formula 1 drivers. These were racers whose sole focus was on competing with their like-minded counterparts. While today’s drivers share the same desire, they also have numerous external interests that run parallel to their racing careers.
In the past, presentation and a charming smile could only take you so far in Formula 1. Performance was paramount because the risk of death or serious injury could abruptly end a driver’s career. Earning enough money was crucial to provide for their families in case of absence or to secure their future outside the sport. Nowadays, drivers enter Formula 1 already planning their post-racing ventures.
It is fair to say that Senna was solely dedicated to racing. The politics, spectacle, and accompanying promotional obligations were concessions he made to pursue his passion. While politics remain as prevalent as ever, the landscape of F1 sponsorship, PR activities, and social media duties has drastically changed since his passing. I often wonder how he would view the prioritization of these aspects over the essence of racing.
Once, Ayrton was asked to identify the most enjoyable races of his career. After a brief moment of contemplation, he became nostalgic and expressed his battles with Terry Fullerton during his karting days. It is important to note that he had already achieved multiple F1 World Championships when this question was posed to him. He went on to justify his response, emphasizing that those races were the epitome of pure racing.