It’s becoming more and more common for Formula 1 drivers to change their race helmets at every Grand Prix.
Alex Albon showcased a panda helmet in China, while Zhou Guanyu’s helmet featured the Shanghai underground system.
Alpine driver Pierre Gasly took to Instagram to show off his latest helmet design that he’ll be running at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.
While the action on the track is set to be thrilling after Lando Norris’s surprise but well-deserved victory in Miami, there are other storylines set to play out.
The race in Imola will also mark the 30 anniversary of Ayrton Senna and Roland Ratzenberger’s death at the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix.
Huge safety reforms were introduced to Formula 1 after the race and Gasly is going to pay tribute to Senna with his helmet design at Imola.
The French driver posted on Instagram to show off the new design and F1 fans are delighted with his tribute.
Pierre Gasly to pay tribute to Ayrton Senna with Imola helmet design
The exact anniversary of Ayrton Senna’s death fell just before the Miami Grand Prix with dozens of figures paying tribute to the three-time world champion.
His rival Alain Prost shared a touching tribute on social media and Sebastian Vettel will drive his 1993 McLaren during the upcoming race weekend.
Senna started his Formula 1 career with Toleman back in 1984 before joining Lotus, McLaren and finally Williams.
His first team Toleman are still on the grid despite going through various guises.
They first became Benetton, then Renault and then eventually Alpine after a brief stint as Lotus.
Unsurprisingly, Gasly has decided to pay tribute to Senna at Imola with his helmet design, which has gone down very well, especially with his Brazilian fans.
With no drivers on the grid from Senna’s homeland at this time – although Lewis Hamilton is adored in Brazil – it’s up to the rest of the paddock to pay their tributes.
Pierre Gasly shares emotional Ayrton Senna message
Alongside the picture of his new helmet, Gasly said: “I’m going to pay tribute to one of the best F1 drivers of all time in Imola / one of my idol. I’ll be wearing a special Senna helmet design to remember Ayrton’s legacy.
“He was a huge inspiration since my first days karting and I had the chance and privilege to drive his first ever F1 car (a Toleman 1984) in Silverstone [a] couple of days ago.
“It was an incredible experience and feeling to be sat in his car with this special helmet.
“It was such a unique feeling to get a taste of what it was like back in the days, just a man and his machine. A feeling and a day I won’t forget. Thanks to all the people who made it possible.”
Pierre Gasly adorned with a new Brazilian nickname
Plenty of Formula 1 fans reacted to Gasly’s helmet design that will be used at Imola and loved his tribute to Senna.
One user called Nini said: “You are now officially Pedro Gaslyinho,” adapting his name to give him some Brazilian flair.
Conexao pos Jogo added: “Gaslyinho from Brazil! Hell of a tribute,” while Francisca.cgomes simply replied: “Amazinggggg!!!!!”
Another Brazilian fan said: “We are flattered by your respect and admiration for Senna!”
A Senna fan page called AyrtonSennaLive commented: “Senna Forever [love heart] Gasly,” and user Isadorarei.s said: “Pedrinhooooo, we love you!”
Gasly’s design is going to prove popular among a lot of fans in Imola and both he and Alpine will hope that they can do the Brazilian’s legacy justice during the race.
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