Lewis Hamilton pays tribute to Ayrton Senna on 25th anniversary of Imola tragedy

Lewis Hamilton

Hamilton pays tribute to Senna on 25th anniversary of Imola tragedy

The reigning champion makes no secret that Ayrton is his idol.

Matthew Scott

Wednesday 1 May 2019 16:11

Lewis Hamilton paid tribute to Ayrton Senna on social media as the Formula 1 world joined in reflection 25 years on from the passing of the Brazilian at Imola. Hamilton has often credited Senna as his inspiration for getting into racing.

Hamilton grew up during Senna's golden era in the 1980s and 1990s and stated early in his career that his sole ambition was to match the former McLaren, Lotus and Williams star.

The Brit has, of course, since surpassed his hero's statistical achievements, although comparisons between the two remain to this day – Gerhard Berger recently claimed that only Hamilton had made it to F1 with the same natural ability as Senna since the Brazilian's passing.

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While the Formula 1 world paid tribute to Senna on the 25th anniversary of his passing, Hamilton also joined in with the celebration of Senna's life and achievements.

"I remember sitting next to my Dad and watching you on the TV from the age 4 or 5," the five-time champion wrote.

"Ayrton, the way you raced captivated me from the beginning and drew me closer to this sport. You are a pure, out-and-out racer, a true master, a hero. You will live on for eternity."

I remember sitting next to my Dad and watching you on the TV from the age 4 or 5. Ayrton, the way you raced captivated me from the beginning and drew me closer to this sport. You are a pure, out-and-out racer, a true master, a hero. You will live on for eternity 📷 @MSI_Images pic.twitter.com/QXhYJUtJBl
— Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) May 1, 2019

Hamilton posted a separate tribute to Senna using his Instagram story.

Using several images of his career, Hamilton called Senna a "genius, master and hero" as well as highlighting his efforts at the 1993 European Grand Prix at Donington, where Senna took a trademark win in the rain, having delivered the 'Lap of the Gods' on the opening tour of the circuit.

Reigning #F1 champion @LewisHamilton paid this tribute to @ayrtonsenna on Instagram.#F1 #SennaSempre #SennaForever pic.twitter.com/cEAsRLaIZZ
— GPFans Global (@GPFansGlobal) May 1, 2019