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.
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