Sebastian Vettel set to display Ayrton Senna's iconic 1993 McLaren MP4/8 at Imola to pay tribute

Thirty years after his tragic death at the San Marino Grand Prix in 1994, Ayrton Senna is still one of the biggest superstars of Formula 1 racing. However, in the upcoming days, F1 with Sebastian Vettel is planning to give a tribute to Senna. 

Following the Miami Grand Prix, the F1 calendar brings us to the iconic Imola circuit, where tributes to the late Brazilian legend are bound to continue. Sebastian Vettel, the four-time world champion, plans to honour one of his heroes by taking out Senna's 1993 McLaren MP4/8 for a demonstration on race day at Imola.

In a video shared on his Instagram account, Vettel said, “Ayrton Senna was not only a driver who I valued highly for being one of the best racings has ever seen, but also a man of great compassion.”

“It’s been 30 years since his accident and I would like to pay tribute to Ayrton. I will be in Imola for the Grand Prix to drive his car, the McLaren MP4/8. I hope to see you on Sunday, May 19.” It’s worth noting that Vettel is well known for his profound fascination with Formula 1's history. 

He has added the MP/8 to his collection, alongside Nigel Mansell's 1992 Williams FW14B. Since retiring from F1 in 2022, he has proudly showcased these prized possessions on numerous occasions.

How did Ayrton Senna flourish with MP/8?

The MP4/8 was McLaren's first car after Honda left as their engine supplier in 1992. It had a weaker Ford V8 engine, but Senna still did well against Prost's strong Williams-Renault car in some races with an iconic win too. 

Senna won five races and came second in the championship, just behind Prost. His amazing win in the rain at Donington's European Grand Prix is considered one of F1's best performances ever. Meanwhile, Vettel hasn't raced since leaving F1 in 2022, except for a race in 2023 in Sweden.