Among racing drivers who have ever graced the tracks, Ayrton Senna is easily rated as one of the best in the history of racing. He is not only an icon of brilliant talent but also of the redefinition of the very sport itself. He once told Dr. Sid Watkins, ‘I cannot quit, I have to go on’, words reflective of how far he was willing to go for the sport, death included.
This unfortunate pronouncement occurred after the death of Ronald Ratzenberger, a driver, an event that occurred during the San Marino Grand Prix as it was taking place back in 1994. The very death of Ratzenberger sent ripples that extended to the concerned authorities in the sporting arena and speculations on the safety of the drivers. It is evident from these examples that Ayrton Senna loved his work, in this case, the sport of racing.
With time, after the events that spared no one, it became clear that durable adjustments in the safety measures in Formula 1 would have to be implemented. Safety technology incorporated by drivers who followed after Senna’s legacy made possible better civic and vehicle designs, tracks, and rescue measures for the drivers so that the subsequent drivers could race in safety.
Senna’s tale teaches an important lesson about valor and risks in auto racing. No one can deny how intoxicating the idea of racers and races is, both participants, and spectators, but even this should not come at the expense of safety of all parties concerned.
In celebrating the works of Ayrton Senna, a very interesting question remains within everyone’s mind. How far would you go for what you desire most? His memory thanks to devoted fans goes beyond the world of racing, into great changes that have come into the sport’s safety.
