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10 Ways Bruno Senna Built His Career Beyond F1

Some drivers faded into obscurity after Formula 1, but Bruno Senna took a different path. After his F1 career, he didn’t stop doing what he loved, and the impact stretched across racing. Let’s take a moment to admire his journey and understand how he kept himself valuable to the sport beyond driving and even after …
United Autosports/Wikimedia Commons

Some drivers faded into obscurity after Formula 1, but Bruno Senna took a different path. After his F1 career, he didn’t stop doing what he loved, and the impact stretched across racing. Let’s take a moment to admire his journey and understand how he kept himself valuable to the sport beyond driving and even after retiring.

Winning The FIA WEC Championship

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F1 wins need more than speed—they demand strategy. Senna won the 2017 FIA WEC LMP2 title with Rebellion Racing. This feat proved his ability to handle long stints that required tire conservation and unpredictable conditions. He adjusted to the demands of multi-driver teams and complex 24-hour events.

Contribution To The Electric Revolution

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In 2014, Senna contributed much to Formula E with Mahindra Racing. He adapted to energy recovery and efficiency tactics. Senna’s work played a key role in the establishment of the series as a significant motorsport category. Unlike conventional combustion engines, electric power requires a different driving style, which Senna quickly mastered. 

Influencing Supercar Development

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To improve aerodynamics and handling, Senna provided input into the McLaren’s P1 GTR driver program and other McLaren models. His feedback contributed to a more refined and intuitive driving experience. Moreover, the collaboration with McLaren gave him firsthand experience in the intersection of racing expertise.

Competing In GT Racing Circuits

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In 2013, he joined Aston Martin Racing in the FIA WEC’s GTE Pro class, competing at Silverstone and Austin. Even though GT cars demanded precise handling of weight shifts and optimized grip on less responsive chassis, Senna did something remarkable. He won in both the GTE Pro and GTE Am categories—an accomplishment rarely seen in the championship’s history.

Broadcasting

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Later, the former champ stepped into broadcasting as a Sky Sports F1 analyst in 2014. He explained race strategies, tire choices, and overtakes to deliver insights into the sport’s complex decisions. His unique perspective as a former driver gave audiences a rare look at the split-second choices that define race outcomes. 

Driver Safety And FIA Regulations Advocacy

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Safety remains a priority in motorsport, and Senna has supported innovations like the halo device. He stresses the need for driver protection while the thrill of competition stays intact. Due to his experience, Senna was able to emphasize the importance of improved crash structures and advancements in race suit technology. 

Charity Work

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Bruno continues his uncle’s legacy through the Ayrton Senna Institute, which has improved education for over 30 million Brazilian children. His role as an ambassador strengthens the foundation’s mission to create opportunities, where he actively participates in fundraiser work and engages in partnerships with policymakers.

Using Sim Racing

Flickr user GT Academy/Wikipedia

Sim racing has revolutionized driver training. Senna used virtual simulations to sharpen reflexes and strategy, taking advantage of high-fidelity physics engines and lifelike race scenarios. These platforms let drivers fine-tune vehicle setups and experiment with tactics before hitting the real track—proving how simulators enhance on-track performance.

Mentoring Future Racers

John Tiffin/Wikimedia Commons

Bruno also mentors drivers in the McLaren P1™ GTR Driver Programme, offering expert guidance on racecraft and adaptability. He helps them refine mental and physical preparation, using McLaren’s simulator to optimize performance. His mentorship helps drivers maximize their skills and extract the best from their cars.

Active Participation In Innovation Projects

Nuvolari72/Wikimedia Commons

The former F1 champ actively contributes to the evolution of motorsport through his involvement in innovative projects. As a development pilot and global ambassador for Airspeeder (the world’s first electric flying car racing series), Senna collaborates with engineers to advance eVTOL (electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing) technology and safety systems. 

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