Ayrton Senna was not only an incredible Formula 1 driver but also had a close relationship with Emerson Fittipaldi, the twice Formula 1 world champion and Indianapolis 500 winner. Fittipaldi first met Senna when he was just 14 years old, and even though he found him to be extremely shy, polite, and quiet at that time, he became his guide and later, his confidant as their friendship grew.
Fittipaldi’s impact on Senna’s career is evident in the fact that in 1969, Fittipaldi had moved to Britain to race and had a connection with Ralph Firman, the brother-in-law of his F3 mechanic. When Senna expressed interest in racing in England like Fittipaldi had done, Fittipaldi called Firman and told him he had a guy who would win the championship for him. Although initially skeptical of this claim, Firman eventually saw the potential in Senna and offered him a chance to race for his team.
The success of Van Diemen, the most successful Formula Ford chassis builder in history, can also be attributed to this connection between Fittipaldi and Senna. This partnership highlights the importance of mentorship and guidance in the racing world. Without it, many young drivers may never reach their full potential or achieve success in their careers.
