Williams "move on" from Ayrton Senna tragedy with livery omission

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Williams "move on" from Senna tragedy with livery omission

Williams has carried the iconic "Senna S" since the Brazilian's death in 1994

Sam Hall

Tuesday 15 February 2022 15:24 Updated: 15:28

Williams team principal and CEO Jost Capito has confirmed the team will no longer run with a tribute to Ayrton Senna as it is time to "move on".

Senna died at the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix in the Brazilian's third race for Williams and the team has since carried the 'Senna S' as a tribute to the three-time world champion.

At the launch of the team's 2022 FW44, the logo was noticeably absent.

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Speaking to media including GPFans after the launch, Capito explained: "The decision was that we want to move on into the future.

"We have a new era, we have a new car and we have also refurbished our museum where we have a special area to celebrate Ayrton.

"I think we had to look now into the future and not show the drivers the 'S' every time they get in the car and being reminded of what happened.

"I think now it is time for the team to move on and be very honourable to Senna and have a dedicated space to him in the museum to honour him there."

Capito added that the decision to remove the tribute had been made without consulting the Brazilian's family or the Ayrton Senna Foundation, a non-profit organisation to support underprivileged youth in Brazil.

"No, we didn't have a consultation or talk with the family," continued Capito.

"But we are working with the foundation and we will increase our efforts with the foundation and then work on how we can support the Senna Foundation more.

"I think that more people benefit from this and if we can help people especially through the foundation, I think this is a very good programme.

"But it has to be still finely defined."