Ayrton Senna’s tragic passing in 1994 almost ended Formula One, said former world champion Damon Hill.
Senna is one of F1’s all-time greats, and remains an iconic figure 30 years on from his passing. He was beloved during his time in the sport, and is still beloved today. Lewis Hamilton wore a yellow helmet back in his karting days as a tribute to the Brazilian.
His crash at the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix was a harrowing day in the sport. His teammate on the day of the crash, Hill, reflected on its aftermath.
Damon Hill said Ayrton Senna’s crash almost ended Formula One
Hill, who was driving the other Williams as Senna’s teammate the day of his fatal crash, said that his passing affected drivers so deeply that it almost ended the sport.
Speaking on the Chequered Flag podcast, he explained, “We entered this long period of darkness for Formula One. Everybody was affected by what had happened, and were asking themselves questions about Formula One, and whether we should be doing it at all.
“Drivers were talking about whether they should carry on. Everyone had to wrestle with their conscience about the whole thing.”
At Senna’s funeral, his fierce rival Alain Prost said, “In Senna’s honour, I will never sit in a Formula One car again.” Martin Brundle also admitted that he questioned whether he wanted to race again.
The sport did continue, and grew safer because of the crash. Senna’s passing is widely regarded as the turning point after which Formula 1 adopted a “zero tolerance” attitude toward preventable risk.
Tracks were modified and cars were changed, but the grief and guilt surrounding the crash is still carried on the F1 grid to this day.
Adrian Newey called Ayrton Senna’s crash a ‘stupid accident’
F1 legend Adrian Newey, who was a crucial factor of Red Bull’s dominance in the 2010s and 2020s, still carries the weight of Senna’s passing on his shoulders.
Speaking on the High Performance Podcast in 2024, he said, “What a waste. I think that was the biggest single emotion. What a waste of such an amazing person. Such a stupid accident.
“The key to me was, what part did I personally play in what happened? That’s the responsibility I have to live with.”
Newey was Chief Designer at Williams in 1994. He and five other people were investigated after the accident, but Newey was cleared of all charges.
The reforms made after Senna’s crash revolutionised the sport, making it far safer than ever before. Instead of ending Formula One, the actions taken after the accident may well have saved the lives of countless drivers.