The Monaco Grand Prix is one of the jewels in the crown of the Formula 1 calendar even if the racing isn’t always thrilling.
It’s a showpiece event for F1, providing teams with the perfect opportunity to catch people’s attention.
Sky Sports F1 pundit and former driver Karun Chandhok has reacted to a major announcement made by McLaren ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix.
The streets of Monte Carlo have produced some incredible drives over the past 74 years, with some drivers adapting to the unique track better than others.
Several drivers would look forward to racing at Monaco more than any other circuit and the most successful F1 star in the sport’s history in the principality was none other than Ayrton Senna.
The Brazilian’s legacy was recognised at Imola 30 years after his tragic passing and McLaren are honouring his memory this weekend.
READ MORE: Everything you need to know about McLaren F1 Team from team principal to engine
Karun Chandhok loves McLaren’s Ayrton Senna livery for the Monaco Grand Prix
No driver has won as many Grand Prix in Monaco as Ayrton Senna who racked up six brilliant victories.
Graham Hill previously held the record with five wins and Michael Schumacher eventually matched the Brit’s achievement.
However, Senna was unstoppable on the narrow circuit that rewards drivers who are willing to put everything on the line to set the fastest time possible.
Even before his first victory in 1987, Senna showed how much he loved the track, finishing second in his first F1 race on the circuit when he was racing for backmarkers Toleman.
It was the best result in the British team’s Formula 1 history and after a DNF and 3-place finish during his two first seasons with Lotus, he achieved his first victory in 1987.
Senna then dominated Monaco during his time with McLaren and Chandhok has reacted to the homage the team have paid to him.
He retired from his race with McLaren in Monte Carlo, crashing just 12 laps before the end of the Grand Prix despite dominating the entire weekend.
Senna made sure that his mistake in 1988 was a one-off and went on a winning streak never seen before in Monte Carlo.
McLaren’s Ayrton Senna livery will honour the start in Monte Carlo
McLaren have made sure to honour Senna’s passing with their livery in Monaco and Karun Chandhok loves the decision they’ve made.
Although he’s typically associated with the red and white Marlboro-liveried McLaren, McLaren have instead taken inspiration from his helmet colours with their one-off livery.
They posted on X and said: “Together with @McLarenAuto & @OKX, we’re delighted and honoured to share our #Senna30 liveries for the #MonacoGP!
“We can’t wait to see this on track. #SennaSempre.”
Chandhok replied to their tweet and simply said: “This is awesome!!!”
Ayrton Senna was unstoppable in Monaco
After his accident in 1988, Senna returned to Monaco the following year and made sure the rest of the grid knew just how good he was.
He took pole position by over a second from teammate Alain Prost before winning the race by nearly a minute.
READ MORE: Alain Prost pays homage to Ayrton Senna on the 30 anniversary of his death
His closest fight in the principality was with Nigel Mansell in 1992, when the Brit beat him in qualifying, however, Senna crossed the line 0.2 seconds ahead of that season’s world champion.
Senna’s final visit to Monaco in 1993 ended as he would have liked, finishing with a nearly identical gap to his first win with McLaren, dominating the field and beating Damon Hill by 52 seconds.
F1 fans are unlikely to ever see another driver command the streets of Monte Carlo the way Senna did ever again but Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri will hope they can honour his memory by continuing their challenge at the front of the grid.
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