I’ve always loved the name of the McLaren Senna. It’s beautiful, and it flows well, just like the car itself. I never gave much thought to the name’s origin. It’s not as obvious as the Kia Telluride — which was named after a city called Telluride in Colorado — but instead has a lot more meaning. The McLaren Senna is named after someone special, and Formula 1 fans have been appreciating this nod to a true legend since the car’s debut. 

A Formula 1 icon

If there is anything more wonderful about a car with a cool name, it’s a car that is named after someone special. There is just something sentimental and meaningful about a car named after a person. When Koenigsegg released the Jesko, named after the company owner’s, Christian Von Koenigsegg, father Jesko, there wasn’t a dry eye in the room. Less suspecting, but still as meaningful, is the owner of the Senna name: Ayrton Senna. 

Someone special

Formula 1 fans already know who Ayrton Senna is, but if you don’t already, let me be the first to say that this individual was incredible. The relationship that McLaren had to Ayrton wasn’t as familial as Koenigsegg’s Jesko, but that doesn’t make it any less special. In fact, you could say the relationship that they had was the type that made you family by bond, not by blood. Ayrton Senna isn’t just a legend for McLaren, he is a legend in the Formula 1 world as well. 

The McLaren Senna was a true and timeless tribute to Ayrton, who was part of the companies Formula 1 team, driving for several seasons from 1988 to 1993. With the McLaren team, Ayrton Senna was able to rack up an absolutely astonishing number of wins. 

A true winning streak

In his several racing seasons, Ayrton Senna easily became an icon in Formula 1. With the McLaren team, he won the Formula 1 Grand Prix thirty-five times. No, that wasn’t a typo: 35 times. He also holds the title for three-time Formula One World Drivers’ Championship winner. If you aren’t impressed yet, it doesn’t stop there. 

With his team, Ayrton Senna brought pride to the McLaren name. Along with a team of drivers, Ayrton helped the team win the Formula One Constructor’s Championship four consecutive times. With such a grand racing history, it is easy to see why McLaren chose the Senna name, a true honor for an individual that was just as much a part of the McLaren family. 

Ayrton Senna is now retired from the Formula 1 circuit, but the legend that he has left lives on. Many drivers view Ayrton as a true idol, and Formula 1 fans feel the same. For a prestigious company like McLaren to honor Ayrton for his seasons driving is a moving tribute, giving us just another great reason to love the McLaren Senna.