Ayrton Senna is assuredly the most legendary driver in the history of Formula 1 and erased the history of the sport. In this respect, five of his best races are provided below, each of them displaying his extraordinary skills, and competitive nature.
1984 Monaco Grand Prix
In only his sixth Grand Prix, Senna was making headlines in Monaco, starting in 13th on a wet day. As the rain came down, the Brazilian amazed everyone with his capacity to find grip in the most unlikely places. He was reeling in leader Alain Prost at an insane three seconds per lap when the race was stopped. This display of talent further cemented his status as a promising young driver.
1985 Portuguese Grand Prix
Only his second race for Lotus, Senna had to battle with unfavourable weather in Estoril. He owned the track and on his 10th lap was 17 seconds in front then lapped 31 more laps and was ahead by 55 seconds. The way he drove the car without any hints of effort was amazing, and Martin Brundle even said how good Senna was at finding grip with the car, almost to the extent that it was magical. “I was lucky to stay on the road,” he humbly stated, but his ability was very clear.
Monaco Grand Prix, 1988
Qualifying for the race was so intense for Senna; it was like a spiritual rejuvenation
He took two seconds off the time of his closest rival Prosto who was even stunned from the feat. Still, he put on a great display even after crashing while in the lead of the race. He later confined himself to the four walls of his house and coped with the bereavement.
Japanese Grand Prix, 1989
The history of this race will remember also the huge rivalry turn in the clash of the two drivers characters – Senna and Prost on lap 46. As the cars collided damaging both cars, senna was able to start again and won the race, but disqualification followed after. The aftermath was huge, almost forcing him to retire from F1. This was a moment that made him more resolute in the struggles that lay ahead.
Spanish Grand Prix, 1990
“From that point onwards, I felt the impact of it as nothing else, as circuit racing.” After an incident leading to Martin Donnelly’s serious crash, it was chaos for all drivers, but he would return to the track and audaciously break pole, no limits to what he would do. There was nothing more than the competitive response; it was more about standing up to the odds. “You cannot do that to one of us,” his actions conveyed, personifying the warrior spirit that he embodies throughout his life.
