10 Sportspeople Considered The Greatest Ever
3. Formula 1: Ayrton Senna
Though his untimely and tragic death in 1994 has to some extent augmented Ayrton Senna's legacy, even had he avoided the accident that fateful day in Imola, the Brazilian would still likely be considered the greatest Formula 1 driver of all time. If anything, he probably would have added to his legacy.
Senna was more than just about winning races - though he did that too, his 41 podium finishes only being topped by four drivers. It was the way in which he won them that marked him out as the best.
Sometimes it seemed effortless, as though Senna had entered a state of pure driving Zen; one gained the impression he could ghost his way around the track with his eyes closed. And maybe he could - after all, the Brazilian believed it was God's will for him to succeed.
Unlike some more successful German drivers (you know who), Senna had the ability to excite. The heavens opened on Monaco in 1984, but God's fury had no effect on his chosen one; whereas Jesus could walk on water, Senna could drive on it.
A gearbox failure looked to wrest away victory on home soil in 1991, but Senna simply glided over the line in 6th gear. Runner-up Riccardo Patrese could do nothing but bow down to his supreme talents.
Pure theatre throughout his career, a tragic end was almost befitting a man who produced some of the most dramatic moments the sport had ever seen. It wasn't just Senna who died that day in San Marino, but a large part of Formula 1 as well.
An Alternative Choice: Michael Schumacher
No driver has won more races, more championships, or more pole positions than Michael Schumacher. His Formula 1 accomplishments are without equal, and it's not likely they'll be bested any time soon. The problem with the German, however, was that he achieved all he did in a bit of a twatty way. Purposefully colliding with Damon Hill and Jacques Villeneuve in order to claim championships (the latter backfiring spectacularly), and general foul-play are not the hallmarks of a sporting great. Unlike Senna, who leaped out of his vehicle mid-race to check the condition of a crashed Erik Comas. Top bloke.