Ayrton Senna would have been 55 years old today. Considered by many to be the greatest driver of all time, Senna was killed in a crash in 1994. If you haven't already watched the amazing 2010 documentary about his life, that should be your first stop. But after that, check out these 6 clips we've assembled of the master at work:
1. Circuit Jerez, Spain, 1990
In this clip, Senna just destroys this qualifying lap in Spain, displaying incredible control and focus.
2. Some weird Japanese TV show
There are two ways Senna could have handled this Japanese TV appearance. He could, like so many athletes, have gone through the motions and done the bare minimum to fulfill whatever obligation he had towards them. Or, he could have fun with it and get weird. We should all be thankful he chose to do the latter.
3. Suzuka Showdown
Senna clocks in a full 1.7 second faster than his opponent and rival, Alain Prost, in this 1989 Suzuka qualifier.
4. Rainy Grand Prix
This lap from the 1993 Grand Prix at Donington Park might have been Senna at his finest. They say when it rains, it pours. And when it pours, Senna passes 4 other drivers.
5. Monaco 1990
Wanna know how good Senna was? At 1:07, he doesn't even need to lift off the throttle.
6. 1990 Italian Grand Prix
And finally, the view of Senna that most of his competitors got to see: the back of his car. This onboard camera belonged to Gerhard Berger, who chased Senna for most of the race, but couldn't ultimately overtake him.
Nicole Conlan is a writer and comedian living in New York. She has written and edited for Jalopnik, SB Nation, and Sports Illustrated. Nicole also writes for the UCB Maude team Goodbye Handsome. You can contact her on Twitter right here.