Formula 1 is and always has been a thrilling, exciting and heart-racing sport. The problem? It's also dangerous. This is an inside look behind the risks of being a Formula 1 driver and also a look back at Imola 1994, for a tribute to Ayrton Senna, who would've been 54 today.
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Cars are dangerous. Motorsport cars? More dangerous. Not many people would be willing to risk everything they had, the way that the drivers of Formula 1 do on a race weekend. They're not 100% protected in their suit & helmet. And their car? Some people say it's a death trap disguised in paint and sponsors. Although a fatality has not occurred to a driver since 1994, it doesn't mean there is no danger.
Many factors play a part in making the sport dangerous. Speed, fire, tight corners, tire combustion and many more. Drivers know that before every race there is a possibility that they will not make it out alive, that they will not be able to see their friends and family again, but yet they still go out and race. What could possibly drive them to do such a risky task? Is it the passion they have for the sport? The will to win and become a champion? Or is it the rush they get, when they're going at maximum speed, their blood pumping hard through their veins as they hit maximum G-Forces and fly around corners, focusing hard not to make a single mistake.
On May 1st of this year, it marks the 20th anniversary since the tragic loss of the Late Ayrton Senna, who died instantly in his accident at Imola in 1994. It was only the 3rd race of the 1994 F1 season, a race no one can forget, and even people who are not fans of the sport, know about that day. But it was not just race day that endured such tragedy, as during Qualifying the day before, Roland Ratzenberger from Austria, was in a fatal accident as well. Other injuries took place during that Grand Prix weekend, including other drivers and even marshals and mechanics. It was one of the most dangerous events on the calendar. Along with it being 20 years since the event, it was also the last death for a driver in the sport.
With the 2014 season already started and the first race completed without any injuries, every day is a blessing for the 22 drivers that complete this years grid. Every lap they complete is a miracle. The drivers go through a number of steps to reach the maximum safety that can be achieved. They wear helmets, have fire resistant suits and of course, the car itself has multiple rules and regulations on what is safe and what is not. Multiple stewards and mechanics overlook the car and make sure there is no flaw that could cause the driver his life. But it's not always the car that is the problem, there have been many times a driver error has caused an accident, usually they aren't fatal, but it doesn't matter. A driver must maintain ultimate focus at all times or they can raise the risk of an accident.
Circuits also play a part in the dangers of the sport. Although all the current circuits are up to safety standards, it doesn't mean they aren't dangerous and risky. The circuit of Monaco and the Nurburgring in Germany are prime examples. Back in 1976, it was there at the Nurburgring, that Niki Lauda endured the worst accident of his career and almost lost his life when he crashed and his car burst into flames. He suffered severe burns and was hospitalized for weeks. Other drivers, like Senna were not as lucky to escape with scars, but instead lost their lives. In one rare fatality, Chris Bristow in 1960 died when he crashed and was thrown from his car and into a barbed-wire fence, decapitating him on impact. Inexperience played a part in his death, many people say he was not ready to be driving in Grand Prixs.
One of the more recent accidents that sparked a concern for the Monaco circuit and its safety was the accident of Sergio Perez during Qualifying in 2011. After exiting the Nouvelle Chicane. He was hospitalized but returned to the season after missing the race at Monaco and the Canadian Grand Prix. People complain the chicane is dangerous and should be removed, while others say it's safe and it's all just a part of the sport.
So now, with all that said, let us go back to The Italian Grand Prix of 1994. Senna had retired from the first 2 races of that season and with the third race upon him, he was looking for a win. But after Ratzenbergers' death, things had changed. Senna looked nervous before the race and was seen praying in his car, in the garage just before the start. His family was there to support him and watch him race. Some say Senna knew he was going to die, that he had spoke to God and was prepared for that day. Others think he never saw it coming, but that his fear had distracted him from performing at his usual level. When Senna came around the Tamberello corner, it was there he crashed into the wall at nearly 150Mph. There were attempts to treat him and take him to a hospital, but he had almost immediately succumbed to his injuries.
Senna was a legend, a hero and an overall kind soul. He is a house-hold name and his legendary life lives on in conversation, in family and in Formula 1. He is celebrated in multiple stories, articles and documentaries. The drivers of the new age have expressed how he was an idol and an inspiration in getting them into the sport. Although no one can predict what will happen during this season, one thing is for sure. There will always be a risk and there will always be danger. But it is those things that contribute to the passion of racing, the passion that is Formula 1.
RIP
Ayrton Senna (1960 - 1994)
Legend, Hero & Champion
Article Written By: Amy Hawk.
Image belongs to: f1sasha.com
