Michael Schumacher and Ayrton Senna had an early encounter (off TV cameras) at Hockenheim: here’s what happened.
It could have been the rivalry that defined Formula 1, but destiny had other plans. The duel between Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher had only a few key moments, but they are well remembered by all fans. Or rather, almost all…
There is an episode, in fact, that is not often recalled by fans: during the 1992 tests at Hockenheim, the two drivers found themselves in close proximity on track. The legend, Senna, was ahead, while young talent Schumacher was unusually glued to the Brazilian’s McLaren—a rare sight during testing, where drivers usually go their own way.
Schumacher’s “Pranks” on Senna
Even more surprisingly, at the end of the straight, Schumacher overtook Senna and suddenly cut in front of the world champion. The move was certainly not appreciated by the latter, who became visibly irritated.
By the end of the lap, the “Kaiser” was ahead of the “Rain Master.” However, the German driver suddenly braked sharply, heading into the pits and ruining Senna’s lap. Ayrton then decided to follow him into the pit lane and later approached Schumacher—not exactly in the gentlest or most polite way—to have a word with the Benetton driver.
WATCH THE VIDEO OF THE SCHUMACHER-SENNA INCIDENT
Two “taps,” not exactly friendly ones, from the young driver to the legend: an early hint of a rivalry, abruptly ended by Senna’s tragic death on May 1, 1994, at Imola.
Photo: RobertoF1
