This painting captures Ayrton Senna racing his final Grand Prix at Imola, San Marino, on 1st May 1994, where he died from the injuries sustained when losing control of his Williams Renault at the Tamburello corner. Like many around the world, Gavin was a huge fan of Senna and was lucky enough to witness the Brazilian legend the previous year in the European Grand Prix at Donington.
Although the race weekend is remembered for the death of Senna, it should not be forgotten that Austrian driver, Roland Ratzenberger also lost his life during Saturday’s qualifying.
The incident deeply troubled Senna, who was also harbouring much concern for his friend and compatriot Rubens Barrichello, the young Brazilian rookie’s injuries from a crash on the Friday preventing him from starting Sunday’s race. Senna’s mind was troubled to such an extent that Frank Williams had to persuade him to take part in the race and even continue in F1 altogether, indeed on the Sunday morning he met with other drivers to discuss re-establishing the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association and demand improved driver safety.
Senna joined Williams in 1994 from McLaren in a deal that combined the best driver with the best car. However, much of the Williams Renaults’ previous successes were owed to high-tech onboard electronic devices, the use of which the FIA banned before the start of the 1994 season. The car struggled to adapt to the new regulations and although Senna managed to put the Williams on pole in the first three grand prix (including the ill-fated San Marino GP), handling problems forced Senna to retire during the races.
Various moves were made by Adrian Newey and Patrick Head to improve the car’s handling before Imola ‘94, however, Senna’s car bottomed out heavily during the laps preceding his accident. Senna was leading from a young Michael Schumacher on lap seven when his car understeered badly at the 190mph Tamburello corner and hit an unprotected concrete wall, causing fatal head injuries and sending millions of fans around the world into mourning.
It later transpired after being airlifted to hospital that Senna had tucked an Austrian flag into his racing overalls and planned to dedicate a potential race victory to Ratzenberger.
Safety measures brought in as a result of this tragic weekend mean that Senna’s death remains the most recent in the history of Formula One. He is regarded by many modern-day racing drivers as the best there has ever been. Michael Schumacher broke down in tears in 2000 after equalling Senna’s 41 race victories and Lewis Hamilton wears a vibrant yellow helmet reminiscent of his Brazilian hero.
Painted in 2001.