Sebastian Vettel remembered Ayrton Senna and Roland Ratzenberger, who lost their lives at Imola thirty years ago during the darkest weekend in Formula 1 history.
“Thirty years ago, Ayrton Senna – who I’m sure you’ve heard of – lost his life in a crash at Tamburello.” This is how Sebastian Vettel, in an exceptional role as a teacher, began his tribute at Imola to the iconic Formula 1 world champion.
Yesterday, the German driver took his colleagues on an emotional journey into the past, remembering not only Ayrton Senna but also Roland Ratzenberger; both died in what is still considered the darkest weekend in Formula 1 history.
“There were no chicanes. He lost control, or his car broke. I’m still not 100% sure even today,” Sebastian Vettel continued in the tribute video, published on social media. “He hit the barriers and lost his life.”
In remembering Ayrton Senna, the four-time world champion wanted to focus not only on his incredible skills as a driver but also on his personality. “He had compassion, he sacrificed himself for his country. He was a leader, a voice. He stood for those who lacked education, for those who lived in poverty.”
“A guy who, like all of us, had a gift,” Sebastian Vettel continued. “But he understood that there was more to life than just sitting in a car and driving fast.”
The German also spoke about Roland Ratzenberger, who died during the qualifying session for the San Marino GP on that tragic April 30, 1994, the day before Ayrton Senna’s fatal accident. Since that weekend, Formula 1 has never been the same. It has changed for the better, to ensure more safety for the drivers. The former Ferrari driver also focused on this aspect, especially speaking to the young drivers.
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The video concludes with one final, beautiful gesture. Sebastian Vettel invited everyone to take the locks he had given them and hang them up, directing a thought to Ayrton Senna and Roland Ratzenberger: “Lock your thoughts, hang them on the wall, and pay your respects.”
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Source: f1ingenerale
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