The Australian GP proved to be one of the best races in F1, garnering the highest viewership of the weekend. Adding to the drama, two of the most renowned race car drivers, Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton, were forced to retire from the track, marking the first DNF for both since 2022.
In an exhilarating finish, Carlos Sainz led his Ferrari to the checkered flag, claiming victory and lifting the trophy. His teammate followed closely behind, with Lando Norris securing third place. The victorious week for McLaren also evoked memories of 33 years ago when a Ferrari driver last lifted the trophy.
A nostalgic memory for Mcclaren
#OnThisDay in ’91 Senna won his home #F1 GP for the first time. Exhausted by having to race only in 6th gear at the end, he was lifted from his McLaren & on the podium he was at first too weak even to hold the trophy. Then he grasped it again & lifted it high for the crowd below. pic.twitter.com/EZBzUYoQ4D
— Matt Bishop 🏳️🌈 🏁 (@TheBishF1) March 24, 2024
In a recent post by Matt Bishop, a photo of Ayrton Senna holding the trophy on this day back in 1991 was featured. Following the dramatic race, Ayrton Senna lifted the trophy, his facial expression clearly reflecting the intensity of the moment.
Expressing the facial expression Matt wrote: “#OnThisDay in ’91 Senna won his home #F1 GP for the first time. Exhausted by having to race only in 6th gear at the end, he was lifted from his McLaren & on the podium he was at first too weak even to hold the trophy. Then he grasped it again & lifted it high for the crowd below.”
But what has happened that day? Let’s refresh the unexpected race moment.
The first-ever victory of Ayrton Senna in F1
Senna began the race from the pole position, and he managed to maintain the lead throughout the event. As the laps dwindled down, technical issues plagued Senna’s McLaren. His car’s gearbox became stuck in sixth gear, making it incredibly challenging to race effectively.
To make matters even more difficult, rain started to fall. Despite these adversities, Senna refused to give up. He wrestled with the car, navigating both low- and high-speed corners on the 4.3-kilometer circuit. With just two laps remaining, Senna signaled for the race to be stopped. However, Race Control decided against it. Senna knew that an early stoppage would secure the victory he so desperately wanted. His car was on the brink of failure, but he pushed through.
In the end, Senna was exhausted and drained, Senna crossed the finish line, claiming his first-ever victory at his home Grand Prix. On the podium, he was initially too weak to hold the winner’s trophy.
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