Ayrton Senna, Brazilian driver of the Williams FW16, tragically lost his life in an accident on the sixth lap of the San Marino Grand Prix at Imola on May 1, 1994.
The British driver was 29 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 closing down.
Senna and Herbert were at opposite ends of the F1 driver hierarchy at the time. Senna was at the peak of the sport, while Herbert was still rising before becoming a Grand Prix winner.
The tragedy occurred at the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix, just a day after Roland Ratzenberger was killed in an accident during qualifying. Senna was fatally injured early 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 the fatal accident. He confided in Professor Sid Watkins, F1 medical expert, who advised him to give up and go fishing, as he had nothing left to prove. However, Senna felt he couldn’t walk away and had to keep racing. He was always aware of the risks involved, as were all drivers. The accidents involving Rubens Barrichello and Roland Ratzenberger in the days leading up to the race heightened the sense of danger, especially because they 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 scary 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. This 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 that Senna had the night before the race, when he went to the site of the accident where Ratzenberger had died. The whole weekend was filled with chaos, and Herbert had a personal connection with Ratzenberger, as he had known him since the days of Formula Ford. It was Ratzenberger’s first season in F1.
On the race Sunday, Senna started on pole position for his 161st race, driving the Williams FW16 designed by Adrian Newey. Herbert, on the other hand, started in 20th position with the Lotus 107C, marking his 50th start in F1.
Herbert vividly remembered Senna’s accident during the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix. The race was stopped with a red flag, and everyone on the grid anxiously awaited news. Herbert saw the accident on the screen attached to his car and noticed Senna’s helmet moving, initially thinking he was alive. However, it was just a nervous 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, stopped early, causing an accident with Pedro Lamy. Debris from the incident hit several spectators.
“Witnessing the aftermath of the accident, I believed he was unharmed. It was only after the race that we received the devastating news of his death. Passing by the accident at Tamburello corner, I recognized it was Ayrton. However, I did not anticipate the severity of the situation.
“The impact against the wall left the car intact, with its wheels still attached. I did not witness it tilting to one side. I mistakenly believed it was a routine accident and that everything would be fine,” expressed Herbert.
Speculating on what could have happened if Senna had survived the accident, Herbert pondered: “He would undoubtedly have reigned as F1 world champion for several years, possibly three or more. We witnessed him reaching the peak of his career during that period, but we were never able to witness the full extent of his potential.”
When asked about the personal importance of the Brazilian driver to him, Herbert shared: “I have fond memories of Ayrton. I met him during my karting days and witnessed his achievements, like his early success with the Toleman team. Ayrton had a rare talent, being able to adapt to any car and extract its maximum performance.
“His victory 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 toughest conditions to drive in, but he seemed completely at ease.
“Comparing eras is a challenging task, but there is no doubt he is among the greatest of all time. Ayrton was a true driver, possessing a comprehensive set of skills. He excelled in qualifying and demonstrated brilliance in maximizing the car’s potential during races.”
Herbert continued: “It’s important to note that in the current era, teams make strategic decisions as they have access to a multitude 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 tire conditions, and make them last as long as possible.
“However, Ayrton 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 a similar approach.
“Ayrton competed in a relatively safer period compared to the 1960s and 1970s, but there was still an element of danger. His strong faith in God played a significant role in his mental preparation. It gave him a sense of protection.
“His self-confidence, combined with this 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 Formula 1 history. They are surrounded by a 360-degree safety net. This level of protection was unthinkable in the past, where there was always a present threat.
“As human beings, we continue to learn and seek improvements. Safety has been a major focus in Formula 1, with figures like Max Mosley and Jackie Stewart fighting for positive changes in their respective times.
“Technological advancements also played a significant role. The introduction of the Halo device, for example, proved to be a simple yet effective safety measure. Although I was initially skeptical, there were cases where it saved the pilots’ lives. However, it frustrates me when today’s pilots believe that accidents should never happen.”
“It’s not that simple. Accidents can still happen, despite having the safest cockpits in history. There’s always a chance,” Herbert warned, echoing the sentiments of his former rival and F1 world champion Jacques Villeneuve, who stated that “Senna-style accidents could happen again in Formula 1.”
Ayrton Senna’s legacy remains as strong as ever, even three decades after his burial in his hometown of São Paulo. Herbert paid tribute to the F1 legend, saying: “Ayrton’s legend is the result of his remarkable performances in various racing 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 around him. When he walked into a room, his presence was incredibly powerful. Martin Brundle often mentioned that when drivers saw the yellow helmet in their rearview mirrors, they knew it was Senna and they had to make way.”
In a recent interview, former Formula 1 driver Johnny Herbert discussed the similarities between Ayrton Senna and current driver Max Verstappen. Herbert noted that both drivers possess a certain skill or “art” that can be described as intimidation. However, despite Senna’s reputation for his ruthlessness on the track, Herbert fondly recalled moments when Senna showed a more compassionate side. He mentioned how Senna would stop and rush to help fellow drivers involved in accidents, a gesture that showed his concern for others’ well-being. Herbert even experienced this firsthand when he was hospitalized after a devastating accident 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 driver meetings, where he jokingly pinched 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 1.
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Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton is facing criticism after being caught at a social event without following social distancing guidelines. The incident took place during Hamilton’s vacation in the Turks and Caicos Islands, where he was seen at a crowded party without wearing a face mask or maintaining a safe distance from others. Images from the event were shared on social media and quickly went viral, sparking a heated debate about the responsibility of elite athletes during the pandemic.
Hamilton, who is known for his activism off the track, has been a vocal advocate for COVID-19 safety measures. He had previously expressed concern about the lack of action by other Formula 1 drivers and teams to ensure safety during races. However, his apparent negligence during his vacation has raised questions about his consistency and commitment to public health.
Critics argue that Hamilton, as a public figure and role model for many fans, should be more careful in his actions. They claim that his attendance at a crowded party without following social distancing guidelines sends the wrong message to his followers and may encourage irresponsible behavior. Furthermore, some argue that as a Formula 1 driver, Hamilton has the privilege of being subjected to regular testing and additional safety measures, making his lack of caution even more disappointing.
On the other hand, there are those who defend Hamilton and argue that he has the right to enjoy his vacation and relax like anyone else. They claim that while it is important to follow public health guidelines, it is also important to remember that athletes have the right to enjoy their personal lives. Additionally, some argue that the excessive attention given to Hamilton’s actions is disproportionate and that other individuals are also violating social distancing guidelines without receiving the same scrutiny.
Regardless of opinions, the incident raises important questions about the responsibility of elite athletes during the pandemic. As public figures with great influence, they have a responsibility to act as role models and follow public health guidelines. However, it is also important to remember that they are human beings and have the right to make mistakes. The key is to learn from these mistakes and strive to do better in the future.
