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Crash.net takes a look back at the tragic weekend at the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix and the impact it had on F1.
The events of 1994, particularly the tragic deaths of Roland Ratzenberger and Ayrton Senna at Imola, forever changed Formula 1. On May 1, 2025, the 31st anniversary of Senna’s passing was commemorated. Benetton’s Michael Schumacher had a strong start to the season, contrasting with Senna’s struggles at Williams, sparking controversy over alleged illegal aids.
Ahead of the San Marino Grand Prix, Senna faced a 20-point deficit to Schumacher, intensifying the rivalry. The weekend at Imola began ominously with Barrichello’s horrifying crash during qualifying, narrowly escaping serious injury. Despite this, tragedy struck the next day as Ratzenberger suffered a fatal accident during qualifying, underscoring the inherent dangers of the sport.
These events served as a stark reminder of the risks involved in Formula 1, honoring the memories of Ratzenberger, Senna, and highlighting the fragility of life in the pursuit of speed.
