Outrage among fans over what happened at Christmas: the monument dedicated to Ayrton Senna in Imola was vandalized.
A troubling incident took place during the Christmas holidays at the Parco Acque Minerali in Imola. In two separate events, one on December 19 and another on Christmas Day itself, the monument dedicated to Ayrton Senna was vandalized, shocking both residents and motorsport enthusiasts.
The City of Imola condemned the incident with a statement: “The municipal administration condemns the acts of damage inflicted on some of the commemorative items left by people near the Ayrton Senna monument. These items are a significant heritage for the city, symbolizing the love, affection, and esteem with which the champion is remembered, a figure to whom the city is deeply and emotionally connected.”
Damage to Ayrton Senna Monument: What Happened
The statue by Stefano Pierotti fortunately remained untouched. However, several mementos and flags were burned. Dozens of banners and flags from around the world are displayed on the fences, and it seems that some of them caught fire—possibly, as reported by Il Resto del Carlino, due to a group of young people who, before heading to a nightclub, stopped in the park to drink alcohol. This occurred despite an ordinance issued by Mayor Marco Panieri prohibiting such activities.
It appears, however, that the act did not have any intent specifically directed against the Brazilian champion.