Senna's title-winning McLaren MP4/5B to lap Interlagos in Sao Paulo Grand Prix tribute

The Sao Paulo Grand Prix (01-03 November) will celebrate 30 years of Brazilian F1 hero Ayton Senna’s legacy this year with a series of tributes, including the iconic McLaren MP4/5B taking to the track at Interlagos.

As part of the SENNA SEMPRE (SENNA FOREVER) initiative, Honda and McLaren are bringing the original car with which Senna won the 1990 drivers’ championship to Brazil, where it will lap the track to the sound of the legendary victory theme during the race weekend.

READ MORE: Who was Ayrton Senna and why is he regarded as one of F1’s greatest drivers?

The identity of the driver behind the wheel will be announced ahead of the presentation, and following the lap the MP4/5B will be displayed near the pit garages, giving those on their way to the Pitlane Walk an exclusive viewing of this iconic piece of F1 history.

This initiative by Honda and McLaren celebrates Senna's victorious career, three decades of his incredible legacy, and his deep connection with the Brazilian fans. Attendees are also invited to dress in green and yellow colours and join the celebration of one of Brazil’s greatest sporting idols.

The MP4/5B formed part of the hugely successful partnership between McLaren and Honda between 1988 and 1992, and left a permanent mark on the sport’s history.

During this era of unprecedented success, McLaren-Honda won an impressive 44 of the 80 races they competed in, and Senna was crowned world champion in 1988, 1990, and 1991 with the team.

READ MORE: From his first win to that magical Monaco pole lap – 10 moments of Ayrton Senna brilliance

Across 10 years in the sport, Senna claimed three drivers’ titles, 65 pole positions, scored more than 600 points, collected 80 podiums and 41 wins.

In addition to making his mark on the track, the deeply spiritual racer left an inspiring legacy off it, having donated millions of his personal fortune to help underprivileged children in his native Brazil, while also laying the foundations for a charity bearing his name.

In November 1994, just a few months after his tragic accident at Imola – which led to three days of national mourning and some half a million people lining the streets for his funeral – the Instituto Ayrton Senna was officially formed by Senna’s family.

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