Ayrton Senna anniversary: a life in pictures

The 1994 San Marino Grand Prix, 20 years ago today, was probably the darkest weekend in Formula 1 history, following the deaths of Ayrton Senna and Roland Ratzenberger.

For the 1994 Formula 1 season, Ayrton Senna had switched to the Williams Renault team from McLaren, following Williams' dominant back-to-back title wins in 1992 and 1993 by Nigel Mansell and Alain Prost respectively. 

However, although Ayrton Senna had racked up three poles from the first three rounds of the 1994 Formula 1 season, it was during the McLaren years from 1988 to 1993 that he underlined his credentials as one of the greatest - if not the greatest - drivers in Formula 1 history.

Ayrton Senna: the greatest driver of all time?

While Sebastian Vettel and Michael Schumacher may have four and seven titles apiece compared to Senna's three, it was Senna's passion on-and-off the track that captured the hearts and minds of Formula 1 fans around the world.

Certainly, at times, Ayrton Senna's attitude could be brought into question. The win-at-all costs mentality (and arguably his belief that it was his 'right' to win) that saw him take Alain Prost out of the 1989 Japanese Grand Prix at the height of their rivalry did occasionally cause controversy.

However, incredible drives such as the near win in the rain-soaked 1984 Monaco Grand Prix with an un-fancied Toleman were enough explain why Senna is still so loved to this day. The 1991 Brazilian Grand Prix win, where he dragged an ailing McLaren Honda to an emotional first home victory was another great Senna moment. Then there was Monaco 1992, and Donnington 1993. 

It's been 20 years since Senna died, so we're taking a look at some of the most memorable moments in his Formula 1 career, which started in 1984 and was curtailed so tragically in 1994.

Tell us about your memories of Ayrton Senna in the comments section below...