The CEO of Formula 1, Stefano Domenicali, was joined by numerous supporters and politicians from Brazil and Austria to commemorate the memory of Senna and Formula 1 driver Roland Ratzenberger, who tragically passed away the day before during qualifying, according to the Associated Press (AP) report on Wednesday.
At 2:17 (1217 GMT), a moment of silence was observed and floral arrangements were placed at the Tamburello corner to mark the exact moment and location where 34-year-old Senna collided with a concrete wall at approximately 300 km/h (185 mph).
In addition, flowers were placed at the Variante Villeneuve, a short distance on the track, where 33-year-old Ratzenberger had his accident.
Senna, a three-time F1 champion in 1988, 1990, and 1991, was leading the race for Williams in Imola when the accident occurred. Ratzenberger, an Austrian F1 rookie, was trying to qualify for his second Grand Prix. Senna was a celebrated Brazilian world champion.
The Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Antonio Tajani, commented: “They have meaning in the context of sports history and history as a whole, due to what they represented.”
The attention drawn by Senna’s death led to safety improvements at the Imola circuit and throughout F1, resulting in shorter straights, more space around dangerous corners, and less powerful engines.
According to Reuters, motorsport enthusiasts and politicians gathered to pay tribute to Senna, with fans carrying the Brazilian flag walking along the track before the minute of silence.
“Senna was an extremely important figure for all Brazilians, a remarkably humble person who showed great dedication and values, teaching us invaluable lessons,” said Renata Ewbank, a Brazilian fan of Senna. “And even today, we deeply mourn his absence.”
Ratzenberger was also remembered by fans. The fatal weekend in 1994 prompted a comprehensive safety review, forever changing the sport.
Bruno Senna, nephew of the champion and former F1 driver, was present among the crowd, alongside Ratzenberger’s parents. Italy’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Antonio Tajani, as well as his Brazilian and Austrian counterparts, Mauro Vieira and Alexander Schallenberg, also attended the ceremony at the circuit.
After the minute of silence, floral tributes were placed at Tamburello, prompting applause from fans and security personnel. Scarves, flowers, and candles were also left at a statue of Senna in Imola.
