The unprecedented event bringing all Formula 1 teams together in one place to unveil their 2025 season cars was also marked by a tribute to the sport’s greatest icons over its 75-year history. Ayrton Senna was prominently mentioned throughout the event F1 75, held last week at London’s O2 Arena.

It all started with a long round of applause when Senna’s images appeared on the giant screens in front of over 20,000 fans packed into the O2 Arena. Every time Ayrton was shown, the crowd’s reaction was on par with the cheers for local heroes like Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris. And right from the very first team presentation, Senna’s legacy was honored by Gabriel Bortoleto, the reigning F3 and F2 champion, who will make his F1 debut in 2025.

Carrying his helmet as he walked onto the stage, Bortoleto displayed the design that became symbolic of his F2 title campaign last year—a tribute to Senna’s 30-year legacy. And in 2025, the Brazilian driver will continue to honor his greatest idol.

Watch the moment Gabriel Bortoleto was introduced by Sauber and the full official event.

Senna was also chosen to represent McLaren’s golden era of championships. The team, which is the reigning Constructors’ Champion, showcased its 2025 car alongside some of its most iconic title-winning models in F1 history.

One of the most striking moments of the event was the appearance of McLaren’s legendary 1988 car – the MP4/4 – the very machine Senna drove in his first year with the team and with which he clinched his first world title, defeating his teammate and two-time world champion, Alain Prost. For most experts, the Senna-McLaren MP4/4 combination remains the greatest car-driver pairing in F1’s 75-year history.

Text written exclusively for Senna.com by Rodrigo França, from London.