Run for Senna: Vettel’s vibrant tribute to the Brazilian idol
30 years after his death at the Tambourello bend, Ayrton Senna was in everyone's thoughts at the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix. Sebastian Vettel paid tribute to him with a run around the circuit, organized in his memory... as moving as it was soothing.
And the sky got involved…
The paddock rendezvous at 6 p.m. on the starting grid for the start of this foot race at the Enzo and Dino Ferrari circuit. All drivers are present, dressed in a yellow, green, blue t-shirt in honor of Ayrton Senna.
The sun accompanies the photographers immortalizing the moment on the starting grid. The Brazilian flag is waved by the drivers, but also the flag of Austria, in honor of Roland Ratzenberg, who also died on that cursed weekend of May 1, 1993… The drivers also sport wristbands in the colors of the Austrian. The helmets of the two drivers are there, under glass, as if the souls of the two departed are preserved, intact…
The flashes of the cameras dimmed, the participants’ legs start their circuit tour around the Acque Mineralli park. Some have chosen a two-wheeled procession, on bicycles, like Valterri Bottas and Charles Leclerc. Others, like Lewis Hamilton and Esteban Ocon, preferred the electric scooter. Whatever the means, the important thing is to be present to pay tribute to the departed legend.
Like a sign, the rain comes along with Tambourello’s passage.
The drivers then veered, allowing themselves a moment out of time, just between them. They gathered around the statue erected in memory of the Brazilian. It is located in the heart of the park facing the corner where he lost his life, like a sanctuary so special for Formula 1 fans. The two flags on the ground, the two helmets on the ground, each took the time to contemplate, meditate…
The other participants, members of a team, from the organization or journalists, continue their journey on the steep track of Imola. Each at their own pace: the last ones walk while the first ones run after the stopwatch. The surrounding greenery of the circuit and this refreshing rain do a world of good. It’s like the feeling of being near a waterfall in the middle of summer, which awakens your body, soothes it, and makes you happy.
The last wink of fate appears in the finish straight. As the rain soaked the runners, it gradually fades, making way for a ray of sunshine. Some drivers restarted to complete the full lap after their respectful break. Sebastian Vettel and relatives wearing the commemorative t-shirt bring up the rear, together, to cross the checkered flag.
One cannot help but think that the souls of Ayrton Senna and Roland Ratzenberger were probably there, hidden in the hearts of all the drivers in this magnificent tribute.
