This past weekend, Portuguese football club Estoril Praia swapped their traditional yellow and blue colors for a unique kit. In honor of the 40th anniversary of Ayrton Senna‘s first Grand Prix victory, Estoril’s players donned black jerseys adorned with the colors of the Brazilian flag. This gesture by the top-tier club was a nod to the legendary driver’s helmet and the colors of his equally iconic John Player Special-Lotus.
Estoril Praia played a league match against SC Braga last weekend, coinciding with the qualifying round for the Saudi Arabian GP. The football club, which shares its name with the renowned Estoril circuit, chose this occasion for a special tribute. After all, it was 40 years ago that the late Ayrton Senna claimed his first victory in Formula 1 at Estoril. The players wore black shirts, featuring Senna’s name and the green, yellow, and blue of the Brazilian flag.
‘Timeless Idol’
Ayrton Senna’s first victory was immediately a special one. The Brazilian crossed the finish line first in pouring rain, with a lead of over sixty seconds. Only Ferrari driver Michele Alboreto, who finished second, was not lapped. For Senna, it was his second year in Formula 1 and his first season with the Lotus team, which at the time raced with the iconic John Player Special livery.
Estoril Praia paid tribute to the individual and athlete who became the face of a generation,” the football club announced. “His connection with Portugal is undeniable.” The team described Ayrton Senna on Instagram as ‘a timeless idol’ who made history in Portugal and on the Estoril circuit. “To this day, Senna continues to inspire millions of Formula 1 fans around the world,” the message concluded. Senna would go on to win forty Grand Prix and three world titles in his career. He tragically lost his life in a crash during the San Marino Grand Prix in 1994.
