May 1st marks the 30th anniversary of a dark and traumatic weekend in Formula 1, when two talented drivers lost their lives at the San Marino Grand Prix in Imola. Roland Ratzenberger, an Austrian Simtek driver, died in an accident during Saturday qualifying, while Ayrton Senna, a three-time world champion from Brazil, crashed during the following day’s race.
Ayrton Senna’s legacy continues to inspire and fascinate people around the world. Damon Hill, Senna’s Williams team-mate on that fateful weekend, described him as “someone who changed the sport.” Senna was known for his aggressive driving style, but he also had immense self-belief and inspired countless people with his passion and commitment.
He was a symbol of hope and success for Brazilians and people around the globe. Senna exuded an air of seriousness and determination, and while he could be intimidating off the track, his results on the track spoke volumes about his talent and dedication.
In the week leading up to the Miami Grand Prix, poignant tributes will be paid to Senna and Ratzenberger in Imola, the site of their tragic deaths. The Municipality of Imola and the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari will host a day of remembrance on Sunday, inviting F1 fans to attend free of charge. The event will include a walk of the track, moments of silence, and excerpts from films and books about the drivers.
The celebrations of the drivers’ lives are part of a three-month commemoration of Senna’s legacy, which includes an exhibition at the San Domenico museum that has been on display since March 21st. F1 president Stefano Domenicali emphasized the importance of remembering the drivers while acknowledging the changes the sport has undergone since those tragic events.
Further tributes will be paid when Formula 1 returns to Imola in two weeks’ time for the 2024 Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix. In the meantime, Sky Sports F1 will re-air several special features about Senna, including Legends of F1, Senna… with Murray Walker, A Winning Partnership, The Last Team-Mate, Race to Perfection: Imola 1994, Memories of Senna, and Remembering Ratzenberger. These programs will air on Wednesday and Thursday, leading up to this weekend’s Miami Grand Prix live on Sky Sports F1.
