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When it comes to who is Formula 1’s ‘GOAT’, Ayrton Senna and Lewis Hamilton are two names often brought up by fans. Now, they have decided on the better of the two.
The pair had incredible success in their careers, winning 10 world championships between them. Although they never raced together, many have often drawn comparisons between Senna and Hamilton, mainly with their racecraft and passionate characters.
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Hamilton felt a connection with Senna for those exact reasons, idolising him as a child through the junior ranks of motorsport. The Brazilian remains the 41-year-old’s hero to this day, with Hamilton sporting a Senna-inspired helmet in Sao Paulo last year.
Statistically, Hamilton is F1’s most successful driver, winning seven championships and recording the most wins, pole positions and podiums in the sport’s history. While Senna may have only three titles and 41 wins in comparison, many recognise his incredible skill behind the wheel.
Formula 1 fans name Ayrton Senna as a better driver than Lewis Hamilton
F1 Oversteer has been asking fans who they think is F1’s ‘GOAT’. Senna and Hamilton found themselves in the second semi-final, with Max Verstappen and Michael Schumacher on the other side of the bracket.
Schumacher comprehensively beat Verstappen in the vote, with the second semi-final being a much tighter affair. But it was Senna who came out on top by the narrowest of margins, beating Hamilton 52% to 48%.
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His unique way of handling the throttle, as well as his talent in the rain, leaves many fans and experts recognising the Brazilian as arguably the greatest driver F1 has ever seen.
Senna was certainly capable of achieving more in his career – he had a desire to race for Ferrari at some point in his career. However, he never got the opportunity, as he tragically lost his life on that fateful day at Imola in 1994.
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Lewis Hamilton named Ayrton Senna as F1’s most ‘iconic driver’
They may never have competed in the same era as one another, but Hamilton believed that he could beat anyone in the same car, including Senna. Speaking to Sky Sports back in 2019, he shared how the Brazilian was, and always will be, his inspiration.
“I grew up watching videos of him. He’s the most iconic driver we’ve had. He was the most iconic individual, a real leader and a master of his craft.”
“[Senna] was the driver who inspired me as a kid and he’s still a hero today. And he always will be,” he added.
“It’s definitely a bit of both [personality and on-track that inspired him]. What he stood for. I didn’t really know his personality so much so it was more what he stood up for, what he stood up against and what he was able to do in a car that I loved to see.”
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