The greatest lap in Formula 1 history?

On This Day

The greatest lap in Formula 1 history?

Ayrton Senna delivers a Donington masterclass

Sam Hall

Saturday 11 April 2020 13:24

Ayrton Senna delivered what has come to be known as the greatest lap in Formula 1 history on this day in 1993.

In wet conditions Senna put in the most memorable performance of his glittering career.

Having qualified fourth in dry conditions for the European Grand Prix, a race that was being held for the first and only time at the Donington Park circuit in England, the race was a complete trip into the unknown.

Dropping down to fifth behind the Sauber of Karl Wendlinger as the lights went out, Senna quickly regained fourth as he passed Michael Schumacher's Benetton on the inside of turn one, Redgate.

Continuing his early charge, Senna retook Wendlinger on the downhill run through the Craner Curves, a move rarely seen even in tin top championships to this day.

Now only behind the Williams drivers Alain Prost and Damon Hill, Senna again wasted no time in dispatching Hill. The Brazilian lunged for the inside at turn seven, McLean's and was up to second position after only half a lap.

Not content to sit back, Senna made his move on Prost at the Melbourne Hairpin. The heaviest braking point on the circuit, Senna made the move look simple as he slid past on the inside.

Senna would not have the whole race go his own way however.

Telling his team that he thought that the rain, which had now stopped, would not return, the Brazilian requested that slicks be fitted to his car. A problem in the stop saw Prost regain the lead, but Senna need not have worried.

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Prost would pit a total of seven times during the race leaving Senna to take the flag be a remarkable one minute 23.199 seconds from Hill, Prost finishing third and one lap down.

There were only 11-classified finishers on that rainy day at Donington, but the race will forever be remembered for one reason and one reason alone - that incredible opening lap of Ayrton Senna.

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