| Brazilian Formula 1 racing driver, world champion in , , Date of Birth: Country: Brazil |
Ayrton Senna da Silva was born on March 21, , and passed away on May 1, He was one of the most legendary Brazilian racing drivers and was widely known by his fans as Ayrton Senna. Growing up in a well-respected family of Brazilian planters, Ayrton was showered with expensive gifts from his father, including cars. His father had a particular passion for motorsports and invested a significant amount of money into its development. At the age of 4, Ayrton sat behind the wheel of a go-kart, following his father's insistence.
As the years went by, Ayrton Senna embraced his father's passion for racing. He dedicated himself to training and steadily increased his speed, reaching levels that were considered exceptional for that time. In , Ayrton made his debut in the karting championship, and by , he had already secured a victory in the South American Karting Championship. In , his name resounded triumphantly in the British Formula Ford Championship, and the following year, he conquered the Formula Ford Championship. In , Ayrton became the first-place winner in Britain, prevailing in the Formula 3.
At the end of , the young but already well-known Brazilian driver started his Formula 1 career. He joined the team "Toleman" and in , transferred to the "Lotus" racing club, which proved to be much stronger than his previous team. In his first season with the new team, Ayrton masterfully won the "Grand Slam" by triumphing in the race in Estoril. However, technical problems constantly plagued him towards the end of the season. Electronics would fail, and mechanics would let him down. A series of unsuccessful races haunted the talented athlete.
In , Ayrton had a more successful season. He achieved second place in the Brazilian races and fourth place in the World Championship. By , Senna was already competing for the "McLaren" team, and in , he decided to join the "Williams-Renault" team.
The season marked the end of the legendary driver's career. Ayrton Senna participated in his final race on May 1, , the San Marino Grand Prix. At an immense speed, Senna's car collided with the concrete barrier. The driver suffered injuries that were incompatible with life and passed away after being hospitalized.
For many, Ayrton Senna's death was a shocking event, as the death of a driver during a race was a rare occurrence at that time.
Throughout his career in professional motorsports, Ayrton Senna became a three-time Formula 1 World Champion.