Senna: Forever ingrained in motorsport's collective memory

©TheCahierArchive

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©TheCahierArchive

Ayrton Senna da Silva was born on this day in 1960.

As one of Formula 1's greatest legends, the three-time world champion and 41-time Grand Prix winner remains in the collective memory of race fans all over the world, and in the heart of the entire Brazilian nation.

One often wonders where Senna would be today had he survived that fateful day at Imola on May 1, 1994.

Many believe that as the country's favourite son, he would have become President of Brazil.

Senna's McLaren teammate Gerhard Berger is convinced his good friend had the political skills and knowledge to run for office.

"He would have gone on to become president of Brazil," Berger once said.

"He always kept an eye on politics and, importantly, he had the necessary skills to do the job."

Regardless of where destiny would have carried Ayrton Senna, he shall never be forgotten.

Saudade.

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.