Every time Formula 1 visits the historic Imola circuit, it is impossible to escape the tragic weekend of 1994. 30 years later, the premature deaths of Roland Ratzenberger and Ayrton Senna were deeply felt throughout the Imola paddock and tributes were plentiful.
Leading the tributes at a commemorative race at the Imola circuit on Thursday night was none other than Sebastian Vettel, who even in retirement, continues to be a leading example for drivers of all categories on how to conduct themselves with class and dignity. Drivers and personnel from across F1, Formula 2, and Formula 3 joined Vettel in his tribute, wearing commemorative Senna t-shirts and Ratzenberger bracelets, along with Brazilian and Austrian flags on display to honor the two. The group posed for photographs on the start/finish line before embarking on an emotional lap around the circuit.
Upon arriving at the iconic bust of Ayrton at Tamburello corner, Vettel spoke to the gathered crowd paying tribute. “I think [Senna] is an incredible driver, he represents so much with the results and achievements he had,” Vettel told the crowd gathered by Senna’s statue. “But beyond that, beyond the incredible level of skill and the races he won, he represents much more. He had compassion, he stood up for his country, he was a leading figure, a voice, trying to fight against lack of education, trying to combat poverty. A guy who, basically like all of us, has the gift, the skill, the determination, the will to win, but realized that there is more to life than just sitting in the car and driving faster than everyone else. The idea of the race, and thank you for joining, is really to remember his legacy, but also Ratzenberger, who died the day before, on Saturday, making the Imola Grand Prix in ’94 a very dark moment, with two drivers losing their lives. Their deaths paved the way to make cars safer. For us, there are still benefits that we have today, because they risked their lives and lost them.”
Vettel and his team then added a padlock to the fence at Tamburello, paying further tribute to Senna’s legend. Eager to ensure Ratzenberger’s memory is kept alive, Vettel led the tribute group to Variante Villeneuve to pay further respects to the Austrian.
The importance of honoring Ratzenberger cannot be underestimated, as the Austrian spent much time in the shadow of Senna. Speaking to F1.com on April 30, on the 30th anniversary of Ratzenberger’s premature death, his teammate in 1994, David Brabham, said: “Obviously, Ayrton overshadowed Roland – they were two very different people with different careers and impacts among global fans – but it’s great that people still want to remember him, because he was also part of F1 at the time. He was still a driver, still on that grid, and lost his life doing what he loved. To me, Roland had a lot of talent. It’s a shame we never got to see what he was truly capable of.”
Vettel’s words and feelings were echoed by Pierre Gasly. The Frenchman wore a helmet in honor of Senna in Italy last weekend, shortly after driving Senna’s 1984 Toleman F1 car at Silverstone. Despite being born two years after Senna’s death, Gasly has great admiration for the Brazilian.
“I have always admired, I will say, the driving style, but also the person that [Senna] was – the values, the way he cared about his community,” said Gasly. “And, you know, he is one of the greatest champions of our sport and I think it was important to pay tribute, especially this year, 30 years after the incident, it was important for me to pay tribute to one of the greatest of all time.”
So, on Sunday, Vettel treated the Imola crowd to another emotional tribute to Senna/Ratzenberger. Driving the McLaren MP4/8 in which Senna achieved his last GP victories in 1993, Vettel drove around the Imola circuit, displaying a Brazilian and Austrian flag for the crowd to see, ensuring that the names of Senna and Ratzenberger echoed through the iconic venue amidst applause and joy.
“Being here 30 years later, driving Ayrton’s car, remembering both him and Roland, is certainly very emotional,” said Vettel after the demonstration. “It’s so good to see so many people, so much joy and excitement they have when they see the car. When I brought the flag, I think it was an explosion of emotions. So, yes, really special. I was shouting their names under the helmet and it was certainly one of the most emotional moments I’ve had behind the wheel.
“Ayrton, on that Sunday, May 1st, he had the Austrian flag on his car. So, it seemed not only something he always did, holding the Brazilian flag, but also putting the Austrian flag there. Definitely thinking of both. So, it was great to bring the car back and great to keep those memories alive and remember people like Ayrton and Roland.”
As always, Vettel continues to be a shining example of the best of F1, turning the sport’s darkest moment into a beautiful memory 30 years later.
Thank you, Sebastian.
Advances in safety in F1 are often taken for granted in the modern era, but 30 years ago, the dangers of motorsport were evident to all. Therefore, the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix will be sadly remembered for two tragic losses, one, a legend of the sport, and the other, an F1 dream that ended too soon, shortly after it began.
Rest in peace, Ayrton and Roland.
Gone, but never forgotten.
© 2024
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