#2 Ayrton Senna
At No.2 is Ayrton Senna and arguably he should have been at the top, but I went for someone else who you probably already know by now.
Senna was a magician in the car he did things other drivers could only dream of. He was determined to win and didn’t mind winning at any cost as we have already discussed with Alain Prost. He was an amazingly talented driver and I wished I could have watched him live.
He made his debut with Toleman in 1984, at Monaco GP, a race he would go on to win six times, his sensational second to Alain Prost's McLaren in what was torrential rain was confirmation of the unbelievable talent that would take the sport another level.
He raced for Lotus for a few seasons until he joined McLaren in 1988 where he raced for six seasons and won three world titles and 35 races.
Senna was a driving genius but not only that, he was one of the sport's most compelling personalities.
He was passionate and when he spoke everyone listened just to highlight how important he was during that time. He became a hit with the fans and everyone loved how he put his heart and soul into every performance.
It did not matter whether it was a flying lap in qualifying or a mission to make his way through the field during a race he would give the same amount of commitment and determination every time.
On May 1, 1994, in the San Marino Grand Prix, his race-leading Williams inexplicably speared off the Imola track and hit the concrete wall at Tamburello corner.
Millions saw it happen around the world on television, the world was shocked and mourned his passing. His state funeral in Sao Paulo was attended by many members of the Formula One community, among the several drivers escorting the coffin was Alain Prost.
Before the incident that year in 1994 he spoke about his own future.
"I want to live fully, very intensely. I would never want to live partially, suffering from illness or injury. If I ever happen to have an accident that eventually costs my life, I hope it happens in one instant."
Stats
World Championships – 3 (1988, 1990, 1991)
GP Entries - 162
GP Wins – 41
Podiums – 80
Last Win – 1993 Australian GP