Over the last weekend, the traditional circuit set in the streets of Monte Carlo, Monaco, hosted the Historic Monaco Grand Prix, an event that this year featured tributes to the 30-year legacy of the three-time Formula 1 world champion, Ayrton Senna. The program included a parade of cars driven by the Brazilian throughout his career in motorsport.
The homage kicked off on Saturday with the display of a kart used by Senna in 1977, driven by Gabriel Bortoleto, the current Formula 3 champion and a member of the Formula 2 grid. “It was an unforgettable day for all Ayrton Senna fans like me, and I was deeply honored to drive this kart with such history, especially around the Monaco circuit”, said Bortoleto.
Another highlight was the showcase of the McLaren MP4/5B, the car from Ayrton’s second F1 world title campaign, which was driven by Bruno Senna, the champion’s nephew. “It was incredibly special to drive this car in Monaco, and I’m sure the crowd enjoyed hearing the beautiful roar of this V10 engine once again around this legendary circuit”, said Bruno, who also took Prince Albert I of Monaco for a lap around the circuit in the McLaren Senna. “It was a great honor and another moment I’ll never forget in my life,” he added.
The Senna family was also represented by the pilot’s nieces, Bianca Senna and Lallalli Senna – the latter even presented a sculpture from the “Nosso Senna Collection” to the winner of the historic cars race in Monaco. “It was a special weekend for our entire family and for Senna Brands, marking yet another beautiful tribute to Ayrton on a stage where he will always be fondly remembered for everything he accomplished on and off the track”, said Bianca Senna, CEO of Senna Brands.
The event featured a race that, among other models, saw cars driven by Ayrton Senna on the grid. These include the Van Diemen RF82, used in the 1982 Formula Ford 2000, a Ralt RT3 from the 1983 British F3, and a Lotus 97T, the same model with which the Brazilian won his first F1 race at the Portuguese GP in Estoril. The 1984 Toleman TB184 also hit the track with Stefan Johansson, Senna’s former teammate, behind the wheel.
The Historic Monaco Grand Prix takes place every two years and brings together some of the most important cars in Formula 1 history. The event has been held since 1997 and has had 14 editions so far.
King of Monaco
Ayrton Senna won on the Principality’s street circuit on six occasions, a record unmatched by any other driver in the category.
The first victory came in 1987 with Lotus. Then, with McLaren, he achieved a remarkable feat: five consecutive wins (1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, and 1993) and a record that earned him the nickname “King of Monaco.”
