F1's Imola comeback, Vettel leads Senna tribute as racing returns to Italy

Red Bull Racing/Red Bull Content Pool

Imola: F1 pays tribute to Ayrton Senna as racing returns to the iconic circuit.

IMOLA, Italy -- Formula One has returned to Imola, a year after severe flooding forced the cancellation of the 2023 event.

The serene town in Northern Italy, located in the foothills of the Apennine Mountains and rich in European roots, presents a stark contrast to the extravagant ambiance of Miami's Hard Rock Stadium, where Lando Norris recently celebrated his first F1 victory.

Since 1953, the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari circuit has been a key landmark, showcasing both the glorious and tragic moments of motorsport history.

As F1 marks 30 years since the tragic 1994 San Marino Grand Prix, where Roland Ratzenberger and Ayrton Senna lost their lives, the tribute to Senna grows stronger each year. On Thursday, during the media day, all drivers gathered to honor the legacy of the three-time world champion.

Senna memorial track run

Thursday evening saw members of the paddock assemble on Imola's pit straight to commemorate Senna and Ratzenberger. The Senna Foundation, in collaboration with four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel, organized a track run around the three-mile circuit. Drivers from F1, F2, and F3, along with others from the paddock, paid their respects.

Starting from Tamburello, where Senna's fatal crash occurred, the group visited the monument dedicated to the Brazilian driver. Despite an intense rainstorm, the tribute continued, showcasing the deep reverence for Senna.

Vettel will further honor Senna by driving the McLaren MP4/8 from the 1993 season, using carbon-neutral fuel, during a demonstration run.

The Santerno river, adjacent to the circuit, looked remarkably different from the flooding 12 months ago. The catastrophic floods resulted in 15 deaths, displacement of 50,000 people, and an estimated $10 billion in damages. F1 made the prudent decision to cancel the race and contribute to the recovery efforts.

Yuki Tsunoda, who resides in nearby Faenza, was notably active in the clean-up efforts. "Fortunately my house was OK, but when I went towards the city it got worse and worse. It smelled of petrol and mud."

Tsunoda felt compelled to help: "I was living here already two years and I felt like part of the people. It was just a natural conversation of, 'OK, I'll do this street and after I will go to yours and we will help each other.'"

Norris of McLaren

Lando Norris, who recently clinched his debut F1 victory, celebrated in style in Miami. Viral footage captured him partying with Max Verstappen in a nightclub. Reflecting on the festivities, Norris shared, "I just had a good night out with some of the drivers and friends and some of the team."

Describing his whirlwind schedule, Norris added, "I then went from there straight to Augusta. The first time I slept was Monday night!"

Despite minimal rest, Norris enjoyed his best golf game to date: "It was even better than the win... almost."

Verstappen of Red Bull Racing

Reigning champion Max Verstappen plans to compete in two races this weekend. Besides focusing on extending his championship lead at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, Verstappen aims to participate in a 24-hour online sim race on iRacing.

Verstappen, who traveled with a bespoke sim rig, explained, "It's not a clash. An endurance race you do with multiple people, right? Of course, this is the priority, but if I have a bit of free time, who knows?"

As the F1 community returns to Imola, the blend of past memories and present challenges vividly illustrates the dynamic nature of the sport.

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