One of Honda’s fiercest rivals as it aimed for the pinnacle of F1 racing in 1986, was none other than Ayrton Senna, who was thrilling, shining, crystal clear, and futuristic, defying conventional wisdom of F1 drivers. It did not take long for Senna and Honda to join forces to create a new era. And perhaps, it was inevitable.

Ayrton Senna had a different kind of appetite for driving and winning. He would ignore those who seemingly befriended his rival Alain Prost, required them to be on his side. But in essence, he was an innocent, maybe naive young man who just wanted to drive fast and win races.

Ayrton Senna’s demands for his racing car and engine came fast and furious. At the same time, his sensitivities as a driver were astonishing. Engineers from Honda’s second F1 era, still young at the time, learned how to win races through working with Senna.

In 1987, Ayrton Senna’s wish of racing with Honda engines had been granted. His teammate was Satoru Nakajima, instrumental in developing the Honda engine, and the first Japanese to become a full-time Formula 1 driver. During their one season racing for the same team, Senna would sometimes ask Nakajima for advice, while Nakajima, overwhelmed by Senna’s talent, absorbed the world of Formula 1.

The sight of Ayrton Senna racing at the Suzuka Circuit in the 1987 Japanese Grand Prix had a massive impact on Japanese fans, many of whom were watching F1 for the first time. One such spectator was Takuma Sato, then still just a child. Sato, moved by Senna’s mastery of racing, dreamed of one day becoming like him, embarked on a career as a racing driver, following the same path as Senna to race in Formula 1. Also the first Japanese driver to win the Indy 500, Sato’s admiration for Senna was undoubtedly the starting point of his career.

Ayrton Senna and Gerhard Berger fought for supremacy in the 1983 Macau Grand Prix. Years later, they became rivals in Formula 1. In 1990, they became stablemates powered by Honda engines, racing against each other, and at times for each other, to achieve supremacy in the pinnacle of motorsports. Through his proximity to Senna, Berger had no other choice but to recognize his teammates challenge, despite their rivalry.

Ayrton Senna was admired by racing drivers around the world, symbolizing the heights they aimed to reach. Drivers, especially in Brazil, were in awe of their fellow countryman, and Senna was generous with his support for them. Rubens Barrichello, one such compatriot and admirer, expresses his gratitude, and describes little-known facets of Senna, through the time they spent together.