Detroit, MI

  • Ayrton Senna honored by the Automotive Hall of Fame September 25 in Detroit
  • Senna is celebrated as one of the greatest drivers in Formula One history
  • Beyond his accomplishments on track his commitment to safety led to significant advancements in motorsports safety standards

American Honda and Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) proudly congratulates legendary Formula One driver, the late Ayrton Senna on his induction into the Automotive Hall of Fame, one of the industry's most prestigious honors recognizing individuals who have made a lasting impact on mobility and automotive innovation. Held September 25 in Detroit, the Automotive Hall of Fame induction ceremony honored his extraordinary contributions to motorsports and his enduring influence on automotive innovation and crash safety.

Senna's induction celebrates not only his extraordinary success in Formula One, but also his relentless passion, unmatched driving skill, and indomitable spirit—qualities that were deeply intertwined with Honda during some of the most iconic moments in motorsports history. His partnership with Honda produced unforgettable achievements that continue to inspire fans and engineers around the world.

To commemorate this milestone, Honda showcased his iconic 1992 McLaren Honda MP4/7 Formula One car. This was a race used symbol of Senna's legendary career that represented both his achievements and the timeless bond between Senna and Honda.

Toyoharu Tanabe, a member of the Honda F1 team during Senna's era and now with HRC Sakura, attended the ceremony and shared his thoughts:

"I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Ayrton Senna and his family on his induction into the Automotive Hall of Fame," said Tanabe. "It is an honor for Honda to see Senna join our founders, Soichiro Honda and Takeo Fujisawa, in the Hall of Fame. Mr. Honda had a close relationship with Senna and I am sure he would be delighted by this news."

Senna's induction celebrates a career defined by courage, intensity, and an unwavering pursuit of perfection. Over his 11 seasons in Formula One, Senna achieved:

  • 3 World Championships (1988, 1990, 1991)
  • 41 Grand Prix victories
  • 65 pole positions
  • 80 podium finishes
  • Six wins at the Monaco Grand Prix (the most by any driver to date)

Senna tragically passed away on May 1, 1994, following a crash while leading the San Marino Grand Prix at Imola, Italy. He was 34 years old.

Honda is proud that Senna's legacy in motorsports and automotive innovation remains an integral part of its spirit of challenge. The company remains committed to carrying forward his passion and vision into the future.

Multimedia Highlights:
Ayrton Senna × Honda Prelude TV-Ad 1991
Ayrton Senna × Honda Prelude TV-Ad 1992


Honda Motor Co-founder Takeo Fujisawa Inducted into Automotive Hall of Fame

About Honda
Honda offers a full line of clean, safe, fun and connected vehicles sold through more than 1,000 independent U.S. Honda dealers. The award-winning Honda lineup includes the Civic and Accord, along with the HR-V, CR-V, Passport, Prologue and Pilot sport utility vehicles, the Ridgeline pickup and the Odyssey minivan. The Honda electrified vehicle lineup, representing more than a quarter of total sales in 2024, includes the all-electric Prologue SUV, hybrid-electric Accord, CR-V, and Civic, and fuel-cell-electric CR-V e:FCEV. A hybrid-electric Prelude is set to join the Honda lineup late this year.

Honda has been producing automobiles in America for over 40 years and currently operates eight major auto manufacturing facilities in America. In 2024, more than 99% of all Honda vehicles sold in the U.S. were made in North America, with nearly 60% made in America, using domestic and globally made parts.

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