Ayrton Senna da Silva was born on March 21, 1960, in the Brazilian city of São Paulo. The boy grew up surrounded by loving relatives and close ones.
From an early age, he showed an interest in technology, playing behind the wheel of his father's car and escaping to the fields to ride tractors.
But the main passion of young Ayrton was karting: after receiving a homemade kart as a gift on his fourth birthday, he truly became fascinated with this sport.
Soon he was recognized as the fastest driver in South American karting and later participated in the World Championship held in Europe.
He gained a reputation as a calculated and determined driver, focused on winning at any cost. However, after the World Championship, young Senna contemplated giving up motorsport...
Having achieved success in the Karting World Championship, Senna unexpectedly realized that a door to top-level motorsport was open to him. In 1981, he moved to England and started competing in open-wheel car races. Despite a lack of finances and uncertainty about his own future, he showcased impressive results.
In 1983, Ayrton Senna was offered a spot in the British Formula 3. Thus, the Brazilian youngster, who had nothing but a love for speed, began making a name for himself in European motorsport, driving for the WSR team.
In 1984, Ayrton Senna made his debut in Formula 1, joining the recently formed team Toleman. Although the team's car significantly lagged behind its competitors, the talent of the young racer compensated for this disadvantage. Throughout the season, Ayrton raced relentlessly, winning the hearts of many motorsport fans.
Off the track, he remained sensitive and even vulnerable, but behind the racing wheel, he transformed into an unstoppable force. After standing on the podium several times, he started searching for a team that would allow him to achieve more. In 1985, he moved to Lotus, led by his idol, Jim Clark.
His coal-black Lotus 97T captured the hearts of fans, shining in Grand Prix races around the world.
Ayrton Senna claimed that everyone should have a chance for success, regardless of their background or education. It was a great honor for his sister Viviane to establish a charitable organization named after Ayrton Senna. The foundation's goal is to help children in Brazil acquire the skills necessary for a successful life in the modern world. To achieve this goal, the foundation conducts various programs, from teacher and manager training to assistance in employment and providing food to those in need.
In 1988, Senna moved to McLaren. The team had the perfect combination of the driver, the car, and the engine, allowing them to win both championships simultaneously.
However, subsequent intrigues and behind-the-scenes manipulations led Senna to become increasingly withdrawn and distant. And events unfolded one after another. New heroes and champions emerged in Formula 1.
In the end, Senna decided to join the team Williams, for which he competed in his final race.
On May 1, 1994, at the Tamburello corner of the Imola circuit, Ayrton veered off the trajectory and suffered injuries that were incompatible with life. The racing world still mourns the loss of a great driver, but the memory of Senna remains forever in the hearts of his family and loved ones, as well as all Brazilians.
