The legendary Brazilian Formula One race car driver Ayrton Senna passed away on May 1, 1994, at the San Marino Grand Prix in Imola, Italy, as a result of his car leaving the track while in the lead and colliding with a concrete wall. He became a fan favorite because of his aggressive driving style and fierce competitiveness. But Michael Schumacher, a rising young German who would later rank among the sport’s greatest, was growing by his side.

The 1994 season was shaping up to be a battle between Schumacher and Senna for the championship, despite Senna’s two early DNFs. However, tragedy struck during the San Marino Grand Prix at Imola, the third round of the season, when Senna’s car crashed into a wall and he died from his injuries. The death of Senna shook the racing world, and Schumacher was deeply affected by the loss.

The respect that Michael had for Senna was incredible. In one of the videos from Adelaide, Australia, the final race of the 1994 season, Michael, going into the championship decider alongside Senna’s teammate, Damon Hill, can be heard saying, “For me, it was always clear that I am not going to win the championship and it’s Ayrton who is going to win the championship. But he hasn’t been there for the last races. And I’d like to take this championship and give it to him, because he is the driver who should have earned it. 

“He had the best car, he was the best driver, and that’s my feelings about him. It was difficult at the time to show my feelings because I’m not somebody who likes to show the feelings to the outside. But I always thought about it. And it’s the right time now to give something which I achieve, which he should have achieved, to give it to him. Thank you.”

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As the race in Australia concluded, Michael was crowned champion for the first time in his F1 career. He then proceeded to dedicate his title to his former rival.

Michael Schumacher’s tribute to Ayrton Senna

At the Imola circuit, where Ayrton Senna lost his life ten years prior, Michael Schumacher paid respect to his rival. In his remarks, Schumacher discussed the honor of competing against Senna and the influence the Brazilian driver had on his life.

Schumacher remembered their intense battles on the track, their personal differences, and also the fond memories between the two. He spoke of his admiration for Senna’s karting abilities in the early days of their careers.

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Schumacher also expressed his condolences for the death of Austrian driver Roland Ratzenberger, who died the day before Senna’s crash. He reflected on the impact of Senna’s death on him and was quoted as saying, “It was the first time I was confronted by death in my sport. For a while I doubted whether I wanted to carry on at all.”

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The German’s tribute was a touching and heartfelt gesture to a great rival and friend. It serves as a reminder of Senna’s impact on motorsports and the memories he left behind.