By Guto Araujo

If you ask any Brazilian in his 30s, ‘who is the greatest Brazilian hero?’ the answer will automatically be Ayrton Senna, with the follow-up nickname ‘do Brasil’ (from Brazil). It does make you wonder about this unusual idol. Is it a lack of heroes? Why would a Formula 1 driver become the nation’s hero?

After Senna’s death in May 1994, the local media blamed the lack of heroes in Brazilian history for the population’s tears. Many people who never watched a car race before went into mourning, and Brazil was a country crying for its brand new icon.

Senna became the symbol of fearlessness and motivation. His motivation made him three times world champion, progressing from a local kart driver to an international star. His first experience behind the wheel was at the age of four years old, giving birth to a high speed career.

During the 80s, Brazil was a country with many problems: high inflation, famine, and corruption. Every Sunday morning the national television showed the Formula 1 and fans crowded in front of the box to see Senna driving fast; between cars and curves he made the top of the podium. There was not a better moment than the end of the race when the Brazilian flag was held up by Senna, being shown to the rest of the world as a symbol of victory.

Close friends say that the violence on the roads never frightened him. He was turned into a power, overcoming all the challenges in the name of victory.

That was the reason for the tears after his death. A generation of teenagers grew older thinking that everything was possible; that with perseverance and hard work anyone could be successful. This man from nowhere drove his way to victory. Without losing his head in battle, he was already an international icon before his death.

In the San Marino Grand Prix report the International Automobile Association registered the following footer: “Ayrton Senna, Brazil, Williams-Renault, died in the seventh lap. The race was interrupted and there was a new start for 51 laps”.