WATCH: Throwback to Sebastian Vettel's iconic drive on MP4/8 at the Imola Circuit to pay tribute to Ayrton Senna

The iconic Imola circuit was graced with some iconic doughnuts when Sebastian Vettel drove McLaren MP4/8 to pay emotional tribute to Ayrton Senna and Roland Ratzenberger. This special moment occurred during the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix weekend.

It marked over 30 years since the tragic events at the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix, where both Senna and Ratzenberger lost their lives in separate incidents. Vettel, who retired from Formula 1 at the end of 2022, collaborated closely with Senna's family to honour these two drivers.

Here is the video:

When Sebastian Vettel drove the MP4/8 at the Imola Circuit whilst holding the Austrian and Brazilian flag to pay tribute to Roland Raztenberger and Ayrton Senna. #F1 pic.twitter.com/mlrn0NYQEa

— Paul McGinnes 🏁 (@PaulMcG92) August 12, 2024

The tribute included a track run with members of the Formula 1 paddock, followed by a demonstration lap in the McLaren MP4/8, the car Senna drove during the 1993 season. As he completed the lap, Vettel poignantly held both the Brazilian and Austrian flags out of the cockpit, symbolizing the countries of Senna and Ratzenberger.

“It's difficult to put into words”, says Sebastian Vettel

Speaking about the experience, Vettel admitted that it was one of the most emotional moments he had ever experienced behind the wheel. "It's difficult to put into words," he said, acknowledging the profound impact of the tribute. Despite being alone on the track and not racing, the experience was powerful and overwhelming for Vettel.

The decision to carry both flags had special significance. Ayrton Senna had planned to carry the Austrian flag in tribute to Roland Ratzenberger, who tragically died during qualifying the day before the 1994 race. Vettel felt it was important to honour this gesture, though he acknowledged that such a tribute could never fully "finish the job" of remembering those who have passed. 

Instead, it was about keeping their memories alive and sharing that moment with the fans, many of whom were also waving Brazilian flags in the stands. Vettel emphasized that Senna’s legacy extends beyond his impressive achievements on the track.