Watch: Sebastian Vettel's emotional tribute to Ayrton Senna on the eve of the 30-year anniversary of his demise

Four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel paid an emotional tribute to late three-time world champion Ayrton Senna ahead of the race in Imola, which takes place a few days after his 30th death anniversary. Senna lost his life on May 1, 1994, at the same track while driving for Williams F1 and crashed at the Tambarello corner.

Vettel organized a tribute run for the legendary Brazilian and Roland Ratzenberger, who passed away a day before Senna's death on that tragic weekend, amid heavy rain. After reaching Senna's statue in the corner of his passing, Vettel addressed several F1 and junior category drivers.

A video of the same was posted by F1 on their official X handle.

"Thanks for coming. So 30 years on May 1, Ayrton Senna lost his life crashing at Tambarello. There was no chicane in this place, it was just a left-hander that was taken flat out. After the safety car, he lost control or his car broke, still not 100% sure to this day. Anyways, he hit the wall and lost his life," Sebastian Vettel said.

He added:

"The idea with the run is really to remember his legacy. So just to take a moment, I want us to hand the locks on the fence, take a moment. Hang up the thoughts, lock the thoughts, and take the key with you."

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Sebastian Vettel shares his reason for paying tribute to Ayrton Senna in Imola

Sebastian Vettel stated that he was paying tribute to Ayrton Senna as the Brazilian stood inspired many generations in his country and across the globe. As per Autosport, the former Ferrari driver said that he wanted to pass on the three-time world champion's legacy to the next generation.

"I think, in the end, Ayrton stood for so many causes and had such a great spirit. Probably a lot of people were inspired by his time and his legacy and take inspiration still today in situations like that (Referencing the situation in Brazil) and pass it on to their kids and children and tell the story," Vettel said.

"That's why we're here. That's why I'm here. It's not at all about me. I'm just trying to retell the story and remember him and his colors, trying to inspire the other drivers – the current drivers – to remember that and be inspired by him."

The German will also be driving Senna's McLaren MP4/8 ahead of the Grand Prix on Sunday. He previously drove the car at the Goodwood Festival of Speed last year.

Prior to Sebastian Vettel, numerous current drivers on the grid also paid tribute to Ayrton Senna back on May 1. Lewis Hamilton, Lando Norris, Sergio Perez and Oscar Piastri all spoke to F1's official website about gaining inspiration from the late driver and mourned his death.