Honoring a Hero: Gasly set for Senna tribute at Imola

Alpine’s Pierre Gasly hopes to light up the track at Imola next weekend, not just with speed, but with a special helmet livery honoring the late Ayrton Senna.

This week’s Emilia Romagna Grand Prix will be steeped in both celebration and remembrance as organizers mark the 30th anniversary of the tragic passing of both Senna and Roland Ratzenberger.

But Gasly – and likely others – will offer his own personal homage to Senna with a lid that blends the F1 legend’s colors into the Frenchman’s own design.

The Alpine charger recently unveiled the special helmet at an emotional private track day at Silverstone put together by Sky F1, and where Gasly had the opportunity to drive Senna’s 1984 Toleman TG183B, the very car with which the three-time world champion made his F1 debut.

“I'll be wearing a special Senna helmet design to remember Ayrton's legacy,” Gasly said ahead of next weekend’s event.

“He was a huge inspiration since my first days karting and I had the chance and privilege to drive his first ever F1 car in Silverstone couple of days ago.

“It was an incredible experience and feeling to be sat in his car with this special helmet. It was such a unique feeling to get a taste of what it was like back in the days, just a man and his machine. A feeling and a day I won't forget. Thanks to all the people who made it possible.”