1 of 2

Write now Article Tools

Winning is like a drug, I cannot justify in any circumstances coming second or third.'

- Ayrton Senna

Motor racing is an ideal environment for committed individuals. At the top level of Formula 1 intense dedication and focus are required to be successful, but it is debatable whether the sport has ever seen a driver quite as dedicated and focused as Ayrton Senna.

Following Emerson Fittipaldi's double championship successes in 1972 and 1974 the popularity of motor racing had rocketed in Brazil. Ayrton Senna da Silva (he would shorten his name later) was captivated by it from an early age. He was already driving his first kart at the age of four. In karting he had the opportunity to hone the ability and techniques that would later make him the greatest driver of his generation. Even at that early age his dedication was evident. After performing poorly in a wet race he made a point of going to the local kart track every time it rained to practise and ensure there was no repeat performance. He won the South American championship and on several occasions finished runner-up in the World Championship, a title he was never to win, much to his dissatisfaction.

Karting was fine but Senna knew that, to make real headway in his career, he would have to move to Europe. His talent transferred seamlessly to cars and, after impressing in Formula Ford, 1983 saw him win the coveted British Formula 3 championship after a season long battle with Martin Brundle. That same year he also won the prestigious Macau Formula 3 race.

Such performances had not gone unnoticed and Senna was invited to test for four Formula 1 teams in 1983. A possible seat at Brabham was blocked by countryman Nelson Piquet. With neither McLaren or Williams offering race seats Senna found himself with the small Toleman team for the 1984 Formula 1 season. Although he scored a point in only his second race it was at Monaco that the young Brazilian first came to the attention of the wider public. In wet conditions he very nearly went from 13th position on the grid to take the lead, and probably would have done had the race not been stopped early. A promotional event at the Nurburgring also highlighted Senna's desire to gain a psychological advantage over his rivals. In a race between identical Mercedes, with many Formula 1 drivers competing, Senna was clearly taking it more seriously than anyone else and won in uncompromising fashion.

For 1985 he earned a race seat at Lotus, as team-mate to the likeable

• 1
• 2
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about Reflections on Formula 1 drivers: Ayrton Senna?
We want to hear your view. Write now!