A panel of experts, including veteran commentator Murray Walker, have been counting down the sport’s top performers in recent weeks. Scottish greats Jim Clark and Sir Jackie Stewart had come in at No 3 and No 7 
respectively, while current drivers Michael Schumacher (No 4), Sebastian Vettel (No 8), Fernando Alonso (No 10) and Lewis Hamilton (No 15) also made the top 20. Yesterday, it was 
announced that Senna is No 1.

The Brazilian won three F1 world championships (in 1988, 1990 and 1991) but was tragically killed in an accident while leading the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix. He remains the last driver to die in F1.

“His record is complete and he is untouchable,” said 1996 world champion Damon Hill. “He expressed himself completely through his driving. He had 65 pole positions. There was no one like Ayrton over a single lap.”