Ayrton Senna: Tributes paid on 25th anniversary of the death of ‘a fabulous driver and generous man’

Tributes have been paid to three-time Formula One world champion Ayrton Senna 25 years on from his tragic death

Tributes have been paid to Ayrton Senna on the 25th anniversary of his death as fans remember the moment that changed the sport forever.

Three-time F1 world champion Senna suffered fatal head injuries in a high-speed crash on the seventh lap of the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix.

While the cause of the accident remains uncertain, data shows that Senna’s Williams left the Imola track at the Tamburello corner at 190mph, with Senna able to reduce the speed through braking to 135mph in under two seconds before colliding heavily with the outside concrete barrier.

While Senna was not pronounced dead until he arrived at Bologna's Maggiore Hospital, medics knew immediately that the injuries he suffered would be fatal, and his death triggered the biggest safety changes that the sport had seen at that stage as drivers no longer felt safe in the cockpit.

More than 3m people lined the streets of Sao Paulo as his coffin returned to Brazil, which remains the largest recorded gathering for any funeral procession, and three days of national mourning were declared in Brazil, such was the impact of his death.

While Senna’s total of three world titles has been beaten by Alain Prost, Sebastian Vettel, Juan Manual Fangio, Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher, it is still argued that Senna was the greatest driver in the sport’s history – a debate that will continue for as long as the sport exists.

With the motorsport world and beyond paying tribute to Senna and Roland Ratzenberger – who died during the Saturday qualifying session at the same Grand Prix – here’s a selection of messages sent from members of the F1 paddock.

From the Senna family

“We all have memories of the best driver of all times because of his victories on track or his example of determination. We invite all fans to participate of the honour #MeuAyrton, which will celebrate Brazilian hero. Share the honour in social media with the hashtag #MeuAyrton.”

McLaren:

“Reflecting on the life of a racing legend as we commemorate 25 years since we lost our friend and colleague, Ayrton Senna. #SempreSenna.”

Ayrton Senna died 25 years ago during the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix (Getty) (Getty Images)

Jean Todt, FIA president:

“25 years ago in Imola, we lost a fabulous driver and a generous man. We miss you, Ayrton Senna #F1 #AyrtonSenna #SennaSempre.”

Williams:

“25 years on. Never forgotten. #SempreSenna.”

Renault:

“Never forgotten. Not then. Not now. Not in another 25 years. #SempreSenna”

Romain Grosjean:

“Motorsport's lost a legend 25 years ago #legend #25years #senna”

Nico Hulkenberg:

“Your legacy will live on forever”