F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Monaco's on-track celebration of the life of Ayrton Senna

F1 fans present at the Historic Monaco Grand Prix on Saturday enjoyed an exceptional on-track celebration of the motorsport life of the great Ayrton Senna.

In the wake of the 30th anniversary of the Brazilian’s tragic passing on May 1 at Imola, the Automobile Club de Monaco put together a line-up of machines representing the major stages of Senna’s journey to the pinnacle of the sport.

Monaco’s famous streets provided the perfect backdrop for the emotional parade honoring the memory of the F1 legend, a six-time winner in the Principality.

Reigning FIA Formula 3 champion Gabriel Bortoleto took to the track with Senna’s 1977 kart which now belongs to McLaren Racing boss Zak Brown.

Next in line was the Brazilian’s 1982 Van Diemen Formula Ford 2000 with which he won the British and European. McLaren Drivers Academy member Cristina Gutierrez handled the yellow single-seater on this occasion.

Four-time Grand Prix winner Eddie Irvine – a man who famously came to blows with Senna on his F1 debut in Japan in 1993 – was at the wheel of Ayrton’s Teddy Yip-owned Macau GP Ralt RT3 Formula 3 car.

Stefan Johansson, Senna’s teammate at Toleman during his maiden season in F1 in 1984, showcased the Rory Byrne-designed, Hart-powered TG184 that Ayrton used to great effect in the rain-drenched Monaco GP that year, the Brazilian nearly catching and overhauling winner Alain Prost in the memorable event that put the future F1 world champion on the map.

Local resident and three-time F1 winner Thierry Boutsen – a close friend of Senna during his time in F1 – had the privilege of exhibiting the latter’s 1985 Lotus 97T, the very car with which the Brazilian won his first two Grands Prix: at Estoril in the torrential rain and at Spa-Francorchamps a few months later.

Finally, last but not least, Bruno Senna enthralled fans on Saturday at the wheel of his uncle’s McLaren-Honda MP4/5B which delivered to team and driver their second world title together in 1990.

The commemorative event concluded with the group – minus Johansson who was left stranded out on the track after the Toleman’s engine gave up the ghost – coming together around Prince Albert of Monaco.

The tribute served as a poignant reminder of Senna's enduring spirit and legacy, both of which continue to deeply resonate with fans worldwide.

In honoring his memory, the parade not only celebrated the late Brazilian’s extraordinary achievements but also immortalized his lasting impact on the sport he loved.

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

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.

Recent Posts

Komatsu: F1 teams united against Audi 2026 cost-cap offset

Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu has revealed that nine Formula 1 teams stand in opposition…

56 mins ago

Las Vegas GP: Hamilton leads Mercedes 1-2 in trouble-free FP1

Lewis Hamilton and George Russell led the field in a chilly but trouble-free first practice…

2 hours ago

2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix Free Practice 1 - Results

Full results from Free Practice 1 for the Las Vegas Grand Prix in the United…

2 hours ago

Aston Martin says performance shortfall led to Fallows exit

Aston Martin performance director Tom McCullough has shed some light on why the team’s former…

11 hours ago

FIA clamps down on plank loophole after Red Bull complaint

The FIA has issued a pivotal Technical Directive to F1 teams ahead of this weekend’s…

13 hours ago

F1 drivers blindsided by race director Wittich’s sudden exit

The abrupt removal last week of FIA race director Niels Wittich with just three races…

14 hours ago