Legacy and sustainability: Vettel’s unique Senna tribute in Brazil

Sebastian Vettel is with us in the paddock at Interlagos this weekend, once again celebrating the legacy of Brazil’s late favorite son: Ayrton Senna.

The four-time World Champion was already at the forefront of a commemorative event honoring Senna’s memory earlier this season at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola where the F1 community came together for a track run tribute 30 years after the Brazilian’s tragic passing at the venue.

In Sao Paulo, Vettel – sporting a ‘Keep the Legacy Alive’ t-shirt – made it a point of blending his awareness for environmental preservation with Senna’s legacy by highlighting the predicament of the disadvantaged people of Sao Paulo who collect garbage as a living in the metropolitan city.

The initiative saw the German driver roll out a giant Ayrton Senna helmet made entirely out of recycled materials.

F1’s class of 2024 came together for the occasion to help draw attention to the cause promoted by Vettel.

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.