The British driver was 29 years old at the time, while Senna, a three-time F1 World Champion with the dominant Williams team, was 34. Herbert was driving for Lotus, a once prestigious F1 team that had fallen to the back of the grid and was in its final season before folding.
Senna and Herbert were at opposite ends of the F1 driver hierarchy at the time. Senna was at the pinnacle of the sport, while Herbert was still working his way up before eventually becoming a Grand Prix winner.
Tragedy struck at the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix, just a day after Roland Ratzenberger was killed in a crash during qualifying. Senna was fatally injured early on in the race at Imola.
Herbert, still haunted by the memories, shared a side of Senna that had never been revealed before. According to Herbert, Senna had a premonition the night before his fatal accident. He confided in Professor Sid Watkins, F1’s medical expert, who advised him to quit and go fishing, as he had nothing left to prove. However, Senna felt he couldn’t step away and had to continue racing. He was always aware of the risks involved, as were all the drivers. The accidents involving Rubens Barrichello and Roland Ratzenberger in the days leading up to the race had heightened the sense of danger, especially because it involved the legendary Ayrton Senna.
Herbert described the atmosphere before the race, noting that Senna seemed different. There was a distant look in his eyes, and it was eerie considering what was about to happen. Senna had to face these emotions alone, except for his conversation with Professor Sid, before getting into the cockpit. It made the situation even more poignant.
Herbert also mentioned Senna’s strong faith in God, which had always been his source of protection throughout his racing career. He also referred to a calling Senna had the night before the race, when he went to the accident site where Ratzenberger had died. The whole weekend was filled with chaos, and Herbert had a personal connection to Ratzenberger, having known him since their Formula Ford days. It was Ratzenberger’s first season in F1.
On the Sunday of the race, Senna started on pole for his 161st GP, driving the Williams FW16 designed by Adrian Newey. Herbert, on the other hand, started in 20th position in the Lotus 107C, marking his 50th F1 start.
Herbert vividly remembered Senna’s crash during the 1994 San Marino GP. The race was halted with a red flag, and everyone on the grid anxiously awaited news. Herbert saw the crash on the screen attached to his car and noticed Senna’s helmet move, initially thinking he was alive. However, it was just a nerve twitch, and the realization of Senna’s fate was a shock.
During the race, the drivers were unaware of the outcome of Senna’s accident. Herbert’s teammate, JJ Lehto, stalled at the start, causing Pedro Lamy to crash into him. Debris from the incident hit several spectators.
“Upon witnessing the aftermath of the accident, I believed that he was unharmed. It was only after the race when we received the devastating news of his passing. As I passed by the crash at Tamburello corner, I recognized that it was Ayrton. However, I did not anticipate the gravity of the situation.
“The impact against the wall left the car intact, with its wheels still attached. I did not witness him slumping to one side. I mistakenly believed that it was a routine crash and that everything would be fine,” expressed Herbert.
Speculating on what could have transpired if Senna had survived the crash, Herbert pondered, “He would have undoubtedly reigned as the F1 world champion for numerous years to come, possibly three or more. We witnessed him reaching the pinnacle of his career during that period, but we were never able to witness the full extent of his potential.”
When asked about the personal significance of the Brazilian driver to him, Herbert shared, “I have fond memories of Ayrton. I knew him during my karting days and witnessed his achievements, such as his early success with the Toleman team. Ayrton possessed a rare talent, being able to adapt to any car and extract its maximum performance.
“His triumph in Portugal, under treacherous weather conditions, in a Lotus that was not considered the most competitive at the time, showcased his exceptional skills. Those were the harshest conditions one could drive in, yet he appeared completely at ease.
“Comparing eras is a challenging task, but there is no doubt that he ranks among the greatest of all time. Ayrton was a true racer, possessing a comprehensive skill set. He excelled in qualifying and demonstrated brilliance in maximizing the car’s potential during races.”
Herbert continued: “It is important to note that in today’s era, teams make the strategic decisions as they have access to a plethora of sensors and data throughout the race. In the past, it was the driver who had more control over the strategy. They had to rely on their instincts, adapt to the condition of the tires, and make them last as long as possible.
“Ayrton, however, was exceptional in this aspect. Whether it was raining or dry, he had an incredible ability to handle the car. He is undoubtedly one of the greatest drivers of all time, and personally, the toughest competitor I have ever faced. Max Verstappen, Michael Schumacher, and Lewis Hamilton have displayed a similar approach.
“Ayrton competed in a relatively safer period compared to the 1960s and 70s, but there was still an element of danger. His strong faith in God played a significant role in his mental preparation. It provided him with a sense of protection.
“His self-belief, combined with that extra layer of spiritual guidance, allowed him to achieve extraordinary feats that left everyone in awe. He is among my top three drivers, alongside Jim Clark and Lewis Hamilton.
“Today’s drivers have the luxury of the safest cockpit in the history of Formula 1. They are surrounded by a 360-degree safety net. This level of protection was unheard of in the past, where there was always a lingering threat.
“As humans, we continuously learn and strive for improvement. Safety has been a major focus in Formula 1, with figures like Max Mosley and Jackie Stewart pushing for positive changes in their respective eras.
“Technological advancements have also played a significant role. The introduction of the Halo device, for instance, has proven to be a simple yet effective safety measure. Although I was initially skeptical, there have been instances where it has saved drivers’ lives. However, it frustrates me when drivers nowadays believe that accidents should never occur.”
“It’s not that simple. Accidents can still happen, despite having the safest cockpits in history. There is always a chance,” Herbert warned, echoing the sentiments of his former rival and F1 World Champion Jacques Villeneuve, who stated that “Senna-style accidents can occur again in Formula 1.”
The legacy of Ayrton Senna remains as strong as ever, even three decades after his burial in his hometown of Sao Paulo. Herbert paid tribute to the F1 legend, saying: “Ayrton’s legend is a result of his remarkable performances in various race cars, starting from his time with Toleman in the 80s to his stints with Lotus and McLaren alongside Alain Prost. The battles they had were legendary.
“He had an aura about him. When he entered a room, his presence was incredibly powerful. Martin Brundle often mentioned that when drivers saw the yellow helmet in their rearview mirror, they knew it was Senna, and they had to make way.”
In a recent interview, former Formula One driver Johnny Herbert discussed the similarities between Ayrton Senna and current driver Max Verstappen. Herbert remarked that both drivers possess a certain skill or “art” that can be described as intimidation. However, despite Senna’s reputation for ruthlessness on the track, Herbert fondly recalled instances where Senna displayed a more compassionate side. He mentioned how Senna would stop and run to the aid of fellow drivers involved in accidents, a gesture that showcased his concern for others’ well-being. Herbert himself experienced this firsthand when he was hospitalized after a devastating crash in 1988. Senna sent him a Christmas card during his recovery, which deeply touched Herbert as it demonstrated Senna’s understanding and empathy. Additionally, Herbert shared a lighthearted anecdote about Senna’s mischievous behavior during drivers’ briefings, where he would playfully pinch Herbert’s buttocks. These stories offer a glimpse into the complex personality of Ayrton Senna, who remains an iconic figure in the world of Formula One.