Milton da Silva, Ayrton Senna’s Father Passes On at the Age of 94 in Sao Paulo

Ayrton Senna has been a legend of the sport and a hero to all. This Wednesday, we bid adieu to his hero, his father. On the 27th of October, Milton Da Silva passed away at 94 because of natural causes.

His wife, Neyde Joanna Senna, and his children, Viviane and Leonardo, survive the father of the three-time world champion. Da Silva also leaves behind his grandchildren, racer Bruno Senna, Bianca, and Paula.

An official page dedicated to Ayrton Senna had made the announcement. “Milton Guirado Theodoro Da Silva, Ayrton Senna’s father, passed away on this Wednesday. Our heartfelt condolences to all of his friends and family. Thank you, Milato!”

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In memoriam of Milton da Silva

Milton da Silva was born in Sao Paulo, the same place where he now rests. The businessman started in car trading and later expanded his business in metallurgy, having garnered enough capital. Milato- as those close to him knew him, branched out to the fields of construction and livestock; he bought farms and cattle for the same.

Initially, da Silva wanted his son to follow in his footsteps in entrepreneurship. However, no one could deny the talent Ayrton Senna had behind the wheel. This convinced him to fully support his son’s career in karting, leading Senna to his F1 debut in 1984.

However, before making it to the big league, the father’s worries were eminent. Beginning in karting days competing with drivers bigger and older than him, Senna’s racecraft was impeccable. Upon getting his first pole position ever, da Silva was worried about his young son, convincing him to go further behind the grid. “Can you imagine that? A rookie on the front, they’re gonna run the kid over.”

However, the young Ayrton did little to ease his father, going on to get pushed over by an adversary. Nonetheless, as the budding World Champion grew to become an icon of the sport, undoubtedly, da Silva was more than proud.

Now, 27 years after his son’s death, the two unite in a world beyond, together again. To those who mourn this loss, we send strength and condolences.

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