Max Verstappen and Valtteri Bottas Fall Prey to Theft Right Before Ayrton Senna Tribute

Remember when Charles Leclerc’s watch was stolen and he drove after the thieves in his Ferrari? However, despite being on the F1 track, Max Verstappen and Valtteri Bottas couldn’t stop the thieves from getting away as they fell prey right before the Ayrton Senna Tribute. But what was stolen from the two F1 drivers? And what implications did it have for the two drivers?

Sebastian Vettel organized a tribute for Ayrton Senna and Roland Ratzenberger at the 2024 Imola GP. The German driver planned a run to the Tamburello chicane, the corners where Senna crashed and lost his life. The attendees paid tribute to the F1 legend and then walked to Turn 6, where Ratzenberger passed away a day before Ayrton Senna. Moreover, some special arrangements were made by Sebastian Vettel.

This included t-shirts for all the F1 drivers, with ‘Senna’ written on the front and forever written on the back. The color and design of the Shirt took inspiration from Ayrton Senna’s iconic Helmet design, mostly yellow with green and blue stripes. However, Max Verstappen was in the Red Bull overall, while every other driver was spotted wearing the Senna tribute t-shirt. Many fans criticized the Dutchman for not wearing the shirt, connecting it to his girlfriend’s father, Nelson Piquet. Piquet has been infamous for having a bitter relationship with Senna.

Regardless, the truth has now come out about Max Verstappen’s Ayrton Senna T-shirt. F1 journalist Mariana Becker is reported to have contacted Sebastian Vettel’s advisor. She noted that many Senna tribute T-shirts were stolen, including the ones for Max Verstappen and Valtteri Bottas. So, it seems like Verstappen was criticized unnecessarily. But this was not the sole highlight of the Ayrton Senna tribute run. 

Lewis Hamilton and others join the Ayrton Senna Tribute

Lewis Hamilton is not only infamous for his 7 titles but also for going around the paddock on his scooter. The Brit was on his scooter during the Senna Tribute run while Leclerc was on a cycle, as the two chatted and bonded during the run. The ride has been a staple for the 7X champ, as Charles Leclerc seems to be taking notes. Interestingly, they seemed to be the only F1 drivers not running on foot. 

Mariana Becker, who revealed the news about Verstappen’s T-shirt, was at the run herself. She got her T-shirt signed by all the F1 drivers, planning to raffle it off and help RS with its proceeds. As Sebastian Vettel and other drivers arrived at the Tamburello chicane, they gathered near the statue of Senna that was built to pay tribute. He reminded everyone of how Ayrton Senna and Roland Ratzenberger’s deaths paved the way for safety innovations in Formula 1. Senna was a three-time world champion, and Ratzenberger became one of the best names in the sport.

Vettel also shared his take on Senna’s impact behind the wheel and Roland’s legacy in F1, highlighting the safety changes made since 1994. While he acknowledged the visiting drivers and shook hands with all, the tribute event saw everyone posing with wristbands. What did you make of this campaign organized by Sebastian Vettel? Let us know below.