Why Senna's rookie F1 season was so special
One of the 1984 Formula 1 season's most fascinating storylines was the emergence of Ayrton Senna. Two Toleman chiefs reflect on exactly what made it such a special rookie campaign
Ayrton Senna's debut Formula 1 season with Toleman in 1984 has gone down in history, in large part because of his famous drive to second place in the rain at Monaco. That iconic event was used as the starting point for the acclaimed Senna documentary, and indeed it was the first time the wider world sat up and took note of this Brazilian newcomer.
However, for those paying attention, his talent had been apparent for some time.
"When Ayrton was in Formula Ford 2000 in 1982 we actually offered him a paid F3 season to get a superlicence," recalls former Toleman boss Alex Hawkridge. "And as soon as he got it he'd be on our F1 team. He turned that down, and said, 'I'd like to choose who I'd drive for in F1'. He wasn't at all encouraged by our generosity!"
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