Ayrton Senna’s renowned “Lap of the Gods” at the start of the 1993 European Grand Prix at Donington Park in Leicestershire, UK, occurred more than 30 years ago. In addition to winning the race, Ayrton established a lap record of 1:18:029 that is still in place, making it a historic milestone in Formula One history. Bruno Senna, Ayrton’s nephew, recently made a comeback to Donington and broke the lap record for a production car on the same course. The McLaren Senna, which was produced in small quantities between 2018 and 2019 and was intended to be the brand’s most track-focused road car, was where Bruno established his record.
Ayrton Senna, who passed away at the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix, is regarded as the best racing driver of all time by those under 40 who are not very knowledgeable about Formula One. Anyone interested in learning more about the three-time world champion and fans of Formula One Racing should check out the upcoming biopic that will air on Netflix.
The Gods’ Lap
On a wet track, Ayrton broke his lap record in a McLaren MP4/8 by going from sixth to first in the first lap, which became known as the Lap of the Gods. Choosing to go against the grain, he went the 2.5 miles and passed both past and present world champions. In the end, he won the race by a full minute and twenty-three seconds. Taking to the same circuit in the McLaren Senna was his nephew’s way of celebrating that historic race and Ayrton’s triumph.
“Donington is one of the fun tracks and of course, the weather can play a part here, but today was quite different to the 1993 race! In a high downforce, super-lightweight car like the McLaren Senna you can feel the amazing flow and change of elevation – and of course the speed!” – Bruno Senna
Designed with the track in mind
McLaren Senna is an engineering marvel. With a carbon fibre Monocage III chassis and body panels, it weighs only 1,198 kg (2,641 lbs) dry. A 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine producing 789 horsepower provides the power. With motorsport brakes and an aggressive aerodynamic kit up front and rear, it can stop from 124 mph in 100 metres (328 feet) or less.
In just one minute and thirty-five seconds, Bruno completed the course in the McLaren Senna. An unofficial lap record for a production automobile on the road is established by this. “There is an intense bond between the McLaren and Senna names. It’s a fantastic accomplishment that everyone worked together to create the McLaren Senna, a vehicle that would have made Ayrton very pleased, Bruno stated.