McLaren F1 have unveiled a one-off livery ahead of this weekend’s Monaco Grand Prix as a tribute to Ayrton Senna, with the recent 30th anniversary of his tragic passing in Imola back in 1994. He won three Drivers’ Championship with them in 1988, 1990, 1991, as well as finishing 2nd in 1989 and 1993.
In the Brazilian’s time at McLaren from 1988-1993, he took home 35 Grand Prix wins, 46 pole positions and 55 podium finishes. Senna also had a fierce internal rivalry with Alain Prost in 1988 and 1989 as both men won a championship together during their two seasons as teammates, culminating in that extraordinarily controversial collision at the chicane at the Japanese Grand Prix in 1989.
McLaren, along with many in the Formula One community, regard Senna as one of the greatest Formula One drivers to ever exist. Not only didn’t Senna’s time at McLaren define him as a driver, it also defined McLaren as a team.
The deaths of Roland Ratzenberger and Ayrton Senna on that terrible weekend at Imola resulted in major changes by the FIA to improve the safety of the cars and tracks in Formula One.
In light of the 30th anniversary of Senna’s tragic passing, McLaren have launched ‘Senna30’, a series of events to commemorate the great, this livery reveal and tribute being the latest. The livery features the iconic yellow, green and black from Ayrton Senna’s helmets.
Zak Brown, CEO, McLaren Racing, said: “The team is proud to recognise and celebrate the extraordinary life and racing legacy of Ayrton Senna through this McLaren livery. Senna remains revered and respected as Formula 1’s greatest icon, and McLaren’s most decorated driver. His impact on McLaren is enormous, not only through his racing record but also presence within the team, and now his legacy, so it’s an honour to race for him at his most successful circuit in his green, yellow and blue colours.
“It’s great to collaborate on the “McLaren SENNA presented by OKX” campaign with Senna Brand, in partnership with Official Presenting Partner OKX and alongside our colleagues in McLaren Automotive.
“With it being the thirtieth anniversary of his passing, the team are choosing to recognise and celebrate his life at one of his favourite and most successful places to race, Monaco. We look forward to racing in this vibrant and beautiful livery this weekend.”
Haider Rafique, CMO, OKX, said: “Our collaboration on the Senna livery at the Monaco Grand Prix is more than just a tribute; it’s a celebration of Ayrton Senna’s unmatched legacy and his profound impact on the racing world and McLaren itself.
“Senna inspired a generation and it’s our intention at OKX to help be the bridge between the younger generation and his legacy. That is why we wanted to be a part of this initiative, not just to remember a racing legend but as a living homage that resonates with fans and participants alike, ensuring that Senna’s legacy continues to influence the world of Formula 1 and beyond.”
Bianca Senna, Senna Brand, said: “It’s an honour to recognise Ayrton through these liveries in collaboration with both McLaren Racing and McLaren Automotive. It’s a fantastic way to celebrate his life and legacy through his iconic colours on both cars.
“McLaren meant a lot to him, and together they achieved a lot of success, much of which he is still remembered for today by so many.
“It will be special to see it race the streets of Monaco, a circuit which gave him so much joy and many triumphs.”
