Why Imola was a 'special and meaningful' weekend for Vettel

On Sunday, Sebastian Vettel paid tribute to Ayrton Senna by driving his car around Imola. 2024 marks 30 years since the F1 driver passed. For Vettel, the occasion was special, and the right thing to do to honour the Brazillian driver.

Before Sunday's Grand Prix, Vettel took to the track at Imola in Senna's car. At the end, he displayed the Brazillian and Austrian flag, as a tribute to both Senna and Roland Ratzenberger. Speaking on the occasion, Vettel said: "Obviously the Brazilian flag was clear because it was something that he used to do after the races. But I know the same story. So, I was thinking about it, whether it's the right thing to try and finish the job,"

Vettel was clearly emotional after driving around the track, describing the experience as incredible: "It's difficult to put in words. I think it was one of the strongest emotions I felt behind the wheel despite being alone on track and not even racing."

"When I got the flags out, it was so powerful," he added. "Ayrton is a driver that will be remembered, but we need to make sure we actively do so, and especially that weekend as well where Roland also lost his life. Two drivers that, in the end, are sort of colleagues of mine, but I never had the chance to meet them. It means so much more than just racing."