Vettel leads F1 drivers' Senna tribute run

Four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel organized a track run in memory of two racing legends, three-time F1 champion Aryton Senna and Roland Ratzenberger.

Teaming up with the Senna Foundation, the four-time world champion has organized several activities for this weekend's Emilia Romagna Grand Prix to commemorate Ayrton Senna's legacy at Imola where the Brazilian suffered a fatal crash 30 years ago. As a first activity, Vettel invited the current drivers on the grid to a track walk today.

The pack met at the start-finish line and stopped near Senna's monument at the Tamburello corner, where he crashed, for a minute's silence. This was then followed by the track run led by Vettel. Several drivers, including Williams duo of Alexander Albon and Logan Sargeant, Kick Sauber racers Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu. Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc and soon-to-be Ferrari racer Lewis Hamilton also joined the pack that incorporated a few hundred people.

Under the motto "Forever Senna," Vettel also had T-shirts produced in memory of the three-time world champion from Brazil. The German was also wearing an Austrian sweatband in honour of Roland Ratzenberger who sadly lost is life at the track on the same weekend in 1994.

Vettel will drive Senna’s 1993 McLaren MP4/8 at the track where he tragically lost his life 30 years ago. The demo run will take place after the drivers' parade ahead of Sunday's race. Senna's last McLaren belongs to the former Ferrari driver, and he occasionally runs at public events using carbon-neutral fuel.

Speaking on his Instagram, Vettel said: “Ayrton Senna was not only a driver who I valued highly for being one of the best racing has ever seen, but also a man of great compassion. It’s been 30 years since his accident and I would like to pay tribute to Ayrton.

"I will be in Imola for the Grand Prix to drive his car, the McLaren MP4/8. I hope to see you on Sunday, May 19," said Vettel.