The beginning of the activities of the Emilia-Romagna Formula 1® Grand Prix was marked by tributes to Ayrton Senna.

At the Enzo and Dino Ferrari circuit in Imola, drivers from F1, F2, and F3, along with team members, took part in a street race on the track, organized by four-time champion Sebastian Vettel, with support from Senna Brands.

Carrying the flags of Brazil and Austria, the participants paid tribute to Ayrton Senna and Roland Ratzenberger, an Austrian driver who was a victim of an accident on the Saturday of the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix. Wearing yellow shirts with stripes inspired by Senna’s helmet colors and the text “Forever Senna,” the drivers headed towards the memorial near the Tamburello corner.

There, in an emotional speech, Vettel highlighted Senna’s significance to the global sport, as a source of inspiration both on and off the track. The drivers also paid their respects to the idol. Three Brazilians were part of the tribute: Gabriel Bortoleto and Enzo Fittipaldi from Formula 2, and Felipe Drugovich, last year’s F2 champion and a test driver for Aston Martin (Formula 1).

The event also saw the presence of Formula 1 CEO, Italian Stefano Domenicali, journalists, and guests. The Senna group was represented, including CEO of Senna Brands and Ayrton’s niece, Bianca Senna, accompanied by her sister, the artist Lalalli Senna. “Imola is a significant place in the history of everyone who admires Ayrton and those who follow Formula 1. Much has changed for the better in this sport since what happened here, and Ayrton has played a key role in it. That’s why today is also a day to celebrate this legacy,” says Bianca.

On Sunday, before the main race, Vettel returns to the track for another special tribute: he will drive the McLaren MP4/8, used by Senna in important victories in Formula 1, including the Brazilian Grand Prix at Interlagos.