1- Speed
When it comes to speed, Ayrton Senna’s McLaren would be left behind, despite going at more than 300 km/h, since Luke Sywalker’s spaceship was able to travel faster than the speed of light. But if both of them were racing in Monaco, the Jedi would probably have a harder time – he would have to rely on the Force to make those corners as well as our three-time world champion!
2- Rivals
Alain Prost was a tough rival to Senna – just look at the controversial decision of the 1989 World Title, when he pushed the Brazilian out of the race to win the championship (his payback would come in the following year). But there’s no comparison: Darth Vader is one of the greatest villains of all time, anywhere in the universe
3- Technology and precision
Both in the movies and in F1, technology makes all the difference for our leading men. The synergy between Honda and McLaren helped Senna win three world titles. Senna never failed to impress the Japanese engineers with his technical feedback, helping improve the engine-car set up. Technology is also all over the place in the Star Wars spaceships, but it’s the precision of a Jedi that helps Luke make the shot that sends the Empire crumbling – literally, in the case of the installment that ends with the Death Star’s explosion.
4- Masters
Master Yoda was responsible for training Luke Skywalker to face the Empire. The mythical character had a powerful lightsaber, which he wielded skillfully. On the tracks, Senna also had a mentor when he was starting out: Lucio Pascual Gascon, aka Tchê, one of Brazil’s most revered figures when it comes to go-kart-racing.
5- Helmet vs. helmet
Drivers and pilots are always identified by their helmets – whether in a far, far away galaxy or in a racing track here on Earth. The helmet featured in the first Star Wars movie – the one Luke wears when flying his X-Wing spaceship – was used by the US Navy at the end of the ‘60s, in Vietnam, and modified to fit the movie’s aesthetic. It’s made of fiberglass and has an internal lining. Ayrton’s helmets, on the other hand, are still considered the most iconic in motor sports history. They bear the Brazilian flag’s colors and were designed by Sid Mosca.
