McLaren cars to carry Senna ‘S’ tribute from Monaco GP

©McLaren

From this weekend’s Monaco Grand Prix, McLaren’s F1 cars will permanently carry a tribute to Grand Prix legend Ayrton Senna who raced for the Woking-based outfit from 1988 to 1993.

Senna conquered 35 of his 41 wins in Formula 1 with McLaren and all three of his world titles.

Following the great Brazilian’s death at Imola in 1994, the Williams team displayed the famous Senna ‘S’ logo on all of its cars in memory of its former driver.

But the British outfit’s new owners, Dorilton Capital, elected to remove the recognition ahead of the 2022 season, although Williams vowed to continue honoring Senna’s memory in different ways.

Read also: Senna's last winning run in the streets of Monaco

McLaren Racing boss Zak Brown explained why the papaya squad has added the Senna tribute to its cars, with the support of the Senna Foundation.

“Ayrton Senna is, and always will be, a McLaren legend,” said Brown.

“His performances with McLaren, which earned him three Drivers' World Championships, cemented his place as one of the greatest Formula 1 drivers.

“When he tragically passed in 1994, the entire motorsport world felt a sense of irreplicible loss, but his memory lives on in the hearts and minds of Formula 1 fans across the world.

“We feel it's right that we, as McLaren, should recognise his contribution to our sport by carrying his name with us wherever we go racing.”

“Starting from the 2022 Monaco Grand Prix, the McLaren MCL36 will carry the Senna logo, marking our commitment to celebrate his legacy.”

A record six-time winner at Monaco, Senna’s career in Formula 1 is indelibly associated with the Principality.

“I can’t think of a better race than the Monaco Grand Prix to commence this recognition of Ayrton's life,” added Brown.

“Having won the Grand Prix six times, more than any other driver, Ayrton proved that his skill and ability behind the wheel of an F1 car could rarely be matched.

“This addition to our F1 race cars will be permanent, and has been added with the support of the Senna family.

“It will serve as a constant reminder of Ayrton Senna's sensational talent for us as a team, and for all our fans around the world.”

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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.