Senna has been celebrated as one of the greatest racing drivers of all time, and there is no doubt about it. However, there has been some debate over whether he truly held the number one spot. His untimely death elevated him to mythical status, blurring the lines between the man and the legend. Often, we lose sight of the truth and end up idealizing the departed.
Senna’s life is filled with a myriad of events, facts, and happenings that provide valuable lessons for all, especially simracing drivers who tend to focus on one of his most memorable and misunderstood sentences:
“IF YOU NO LONGER GO FOR THE GAP WHICH EXISTS YOU ARE NO LONGER A RACING DRIVER.”
People have often interpreted this statement in a simplistic way, equating it to the idea that you must attack and overtake the car in front of you, no matter the circumstances. However, Senna’s true message was far from this.
Let’s dive into the context to understand the real meaning behind his words. Prior to the Australian Grand Prix in 1990, Senna, fresh off his second world championship, was interviewed by three-times champion Jackie Stewart for Australia’s Channel Nine. A video clip of the infamous collision with Alain Prost from the previous race in Japan was shown, a crash that had secured Senna’s championship in a controversial manner.
Senna defended his actions during the interview, stating that Prost had left a gap, and he attempted to overtake him, as any racing driver would. But there was more to the story. After a year of not speaking to Stewart, Senna finally called him and confessed that he had intentionally taken Prost out during that incident.
So, what did Senna’s words really mean? When he said, “if you no longer go for a gap you are no longer a racing driver,” he wasn’t promoting a philosophy of reckless driving. Instead, he was admitting to a lie that he had held onto for a year. But he eventually came clean, unlike some other drivers who never owned up to their controversial actions in Formula 1.
If we interpret his statement in a genuine lesson of racing, it would be:
“If you no longer go for a gap when you have better traction, a favorable line, and at least a 75% chance of success, you are no longer a racing driver.”
Attacking a preceding car and attempting an overtake should be a calculated move, not a blind and reckless endeavor. Failing to make a successful overtake can slow down your rival and provide opportunities for pursuing cars. Every unsuccessful attempt at an overtake gives the leading cars an advantage and diminishes your chances of achieving something remarkable. Instead, make every attempt count and treat each opportunity as your one shot to pass the car in front of you.
So, next time you go for a gap, be smart, strategic, and calculated, just as Senna would have wanted. Learn from the true essence of his words and embrace the wisdom of a legendary racing driver.
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