Following Ugly Antics, Ayrton Senna’s X Rated Gesture Laid Foundation of Unbreakable Bond With Niki Lauda
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IMAGO / Motorsport Images 1994 San Marino GP IMOLA, ITALY – MAY 01: Ayrton Senna and Niki Lauda talk in the paddock during the San Marino GP at Imola on May 01, 1994 in Imola, Italy. PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxHUNxONLY Copyright: xRainerxSchlegelmilchx 1015304593-SCH-19940501-94SM-T31-148-A3
Sometimes fiery exchanges on the track cultivate the deepest bonds off of it, a sentiment echoing strongly in the vivid recollection shared by Niki Lauda regarding his first encounter with Ayrton Senna during the memorable 1984 Monaco Grand Prix.
A young, fierce Senna, racing for Toleman-Hart, had been obstructing a seasoned Lauda (McLaren-TAG) during a crucial lap, inciting a confrontation at the pits where the boundaries of professional camaraderie seemed to momentarily blur. A frustrated Lauda asked the Brazilian rookie why he wasn’t “cooperative” like the others, outlining the unspoken etiquette that drivers followed during qualifying laps.
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A portrait of Ayrton Senna of Brazil, driver of the #1 Honda Marlboro McLaren McLaren MP4/7A Honda V12 during tyre testing for the British Grand Prix on 7 July 1992 at the Silverstone Circuit in Towcester, Great Britain. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Allsport/Getty Images)
Senna’s response was a brash, silent, yet eloquently defiant middle finger, a gesture that sowed the seeds of a rivalry, both on and off the tracks. However, it didn’t end there. Lauda, the experienced hunter in this duel, found an opportune moment to reciprocate, effectively ruining Senna’s lap in retaliation during the qualifying session, deliberately slowing down in front of Senna and reciprocating the obscene gesture when they met in the pits.
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It was a moment teeming with high emotions, the kind that could forge bitterness or respect. Fortuitously, it birthed an unbreakable bond, a gesture of acceptance and understanding that acknowledged the high-pressure stakes they were both wrestling with in the challenging environment of Formula 1 racing. Their paths converged from thereon, not as rivals but as confidantes understanding and respecting each other’s space, embarking on a journey of mutual respect and deep fellowship that surpassed the bounds of competitive rivalry.
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Senna and Lauda learned to talk, cooperate, and find a unique solidarity forged in the fiery cauldron of Formula 1 rivalry. What began as an unsavory exchange of gestures evolved into a friendship defined by shared laughs, mutual respect, and candid conversations, illustrating the complex and beautifully unpredictable tapestry of relationships in the world of motorsports.
Niki Lauda’s battle-ground Mercedes 190E hits the auction block
In a highly anticipated event later this month, a piece of motor racing history will find a new home. The 1984 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3-16, a car with a backstory soaked in adrenaline and Formula 1 legends, will be auctioned at RM Sotheby’s St Moritz collection.
Niki Lauda's Legendary Mercedes 190E 2.3-16 Will Sell For Big Money At Auction. The racing icon piloted this 190E Cosworth in a special one-make race and was beaten only by the legendary Ayrton Senna. #auctions #classiccars #forsale #motorsport… https://t.co/auY6dbmDUR pic.twitter.com/8hgvSnbSfc
— CarBuzz (@CarBuzzcom) September 5, 2023
Crafted meticulously in the ’80s, a time when Mercedes was diligently fortifying its reputation for quality and durability, the 190E series emerged. While sports sedans were not a staple for Mercedes, the firm was resolute to forge a performer that could leave a mark. The 2.3-16 was born, and to broadcast its prowess, Mercedes orchestrated a one-make race at the iconic Nurburgring, hosting twenty of Formula 1’s luminary figures.
On a historic May 12, F1 legends including Prost, Senna, and Lauda — the latter at the wheel of the very Mercedes 190E now up for auction — battled fiercely at the Nurburgring. This 190E, specially customized by Mercedes-Benz Sport-Technik with advanced features including a revised suspension and robust brake setup, showcased unmatched prowess, particularly in the rain-soaked race that witnessed a heart-pounding duel, reaching its peak with a masterful overtaking by Senna. The 190E, exhibiting remarkable handling dynamics, carried Lauda in a tight chase against Senna, creating an unforgettable chapter in the motorsport saga.
As the countdown to September 15 begins, one can only wonder about the value that the new steward will place on owning a tangible piece of F1 history, reverberating with the echoes of roaring engines and the spirit of undying competition. The stage is set, and the legendary 190E is ready to etch a new chapter in its storied legacy.
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Written by:
Edited by:
Aishwary Gaonkar