GRR

Video: The real story behind Ayrton Senna's helmet

08th January 2019
Ben Miles

Yellow, with stripes of green and black. The simplicity of Ayrton Senna's vivid lid has seen it not only stand the tests of time to look fantastic nearly 25 years after he died, but become one of the most iconic designs of all time.

So iconic is the helmet that current champ Lewis Hamilton, who was just nine when the Brazillian passed away in 1994, picked the same colours to help him stand out when karting.

But what was the story behind that brilliant trio of hues? In this clip from McLaren themselves Alan Sidney Mosca – the man who designed it – explains how Senna and his father approached him back in the early days of his career looking for a helmet that would stand out and represent Brazil.

  • Ayrton Senna

  • McLaren

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Formula 1

Gallery: Ayrton Senna's incredible McLaren pushed at Goodwood

19th October 2021

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Members' Meeting

Gallery: The cars of Ayrton Senna at the 78th Members’ Meeting

16th October 2021

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Formula 1

McLaren celebrates Senna with Monaco GP livery

21st May

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Formula 1

Gallery: 77MM – Mega McLaren parade led by Senna GTR world debut

10th April 2019

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Historic

Video: Paying tribute to the Ayrton Senna’s life in motorsport

11th May

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Historic

Video: The real story behind Ayrton Senna's helmet

08th January 2019

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Historic

Ayrton Senna's life in motorsport assembled at Monaco

11th May

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News

First Drive: McLaren Senna

27th June 2018