Ayrton Senna

Ayrton Senna won three Formula 1 World Championships — in 1988, 1990 and 1991 — all of them with McLaren. He finished runner-up twice, in 1989 and 1993.

Senna won 41 Grands Prix from 161 race starts between 1984 and 1994, a strike rate of roughly one win in every four races. He also recorded 80 podium finishes.

Senna died on 1 May 1994 after his Williams left the track at the Tamburello corner during the San Marino Grand Prix at Imola, Italy. He was 34. His death, a day after that of Roland Ratzenberger, triggered the most significant overhaul of Formula 1 safety standards in the sport's history.

Three drives built the reputation: Monaco 1984, where he climbed from 13th to second in an underpowered Toleman before the race was stopped; Estoril 1985, his first win, taken by over a minute in torrential rain; and Donington 1993, where he passed four cars on the opening lap in changing conditions.

Senna took 65 pole positions, including 13 in 1988 and 13 in 1989. It was the all-time record for fifteen years, until Michael Schumacher passed it in 2006.

Senna and Alain Prost were McLaren teammates in 1988 and 1989 and fought for the title in both seasons. The rivalry turned bitter after collisions at Suzuka decided the 1989 championship in Prost's favour and the 1990 championship in Senna's. It is widely considered the defining rivalry in Formula 1 history.

Four teams across eleven seasons: Toleman (1984), Lotus (1985–1987), McLaren (1988–1993) and Williams (1994). All three of his championships came at McLaren.