Pierre Gasly unveils Ayrton Senna tribute helmet for Imola

At the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, Alpine driver Pierre Gasly will pay tribute to Ayrton Senna

Next weekend’s Formula 1 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix is sure to be filled with heartfelt tributes, as it will mark 30 years since the tragic passing of legendary driver Ayrton Senna. The legendary driver lost his life as a result of a crash during the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix held at Imola, the site of next weekend’s F1 race.

One of the first tributes is already upon us, as Alpine driver Pierre Gasly unveiled a special helmet that he will wear for next weekend’s Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, that honors the legendary driver.

Gasly introduced the helmet on social media on Friday:

“I’m going to pay tribute to one of the best F1 driver of all time in Imola / one of my idol. I’ll be wearing a special Senna helmet design to remember Ayrton’s legacy,” wrote Gasly on social media. “He was a huge inspiration since my first days karting and I had the chance and privilege to drive his first ever F1 car (a Toleman 1984) in Silverstone couple days ago.

“It was an incredible experience and feeling to be sat in his car with this special helmet. It was such a unique feeling to get a taste of what it was like back in the days, just a man and his machine. A feeling and a day I won’t forget. Thanks to all the people who made it possible.”

In the post on social media, Gasly also shared images of him behind the wheel of Senna’s 1984 Toleman, which the legendary driver put on three podiums during his rookie season.

Gasly also indicated that the helmet will be auctioned off by F1 Authentics following the race, with the proceeds going to the Instituto Ayrton Senna to support the education of children in Brazil.

At the Miami Grand Prix last week a mural in Senna’s honor was unveiled at Hard Rock Stadium, paying tribute to the legendary driver:

Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images

You can be certain that Gasly’s helmet will not be the only tribute to the legendary driver we see at Imola next weekend.