Remembering Ayrton Senna’s mesmerising ‘Lap of the Gods’

Ayrton Senna’s reputation as one of Formula 1’s greatest ever drivers was built on moments of brilliance, but few were as unforgettable as his legendary qualifying lap at Donington Park in 1993—a drive that would become known as the ‘Lap of the Gods.’

It was Easter Sunday, and the weather at Donington was as unpredictable as ever: a mix of rain, drizzle, and patches of drying track. Senna, driving for McLaren-Ford, lined up fourth on the grid behind the dominant Williams-Renaults of Alain Prost and Damon Hill, and Michael Schumacher’s Benetton. What happened next is etched into F1 folklore.

As the lights went out, Senna lost a position to Karl Wendlinger, dropping to fifth. But then, in the space of just a single lap, he delivered a masterclass in car control, racecraft, and bravery. Senna picked off Wendlinger, Schumacher, Hill, and finally Prost—each pass more audacious than the last, each corner a showcase of his ability to read the ever-changing grip levels better than anyone else on track.

By the end of the opening lap, Senna had surged from fifth to first, leaving the rest of the field stunned. The lap was a blur of late braking, perfectly judged throttle, and a sixth sense for where the grip was hiding on the slippery surface. While others tiptoed around, Senna attacked, making his McLaren dance in the wet.

Senna would go on to win the race by over a minute, lapping all but one car. But it’s that opening lap—one minute and 18 seconds of pure genius—that stands as one of the greatest moments not just in his career, but in the history of Formula 1. Even today, drivers and fans alike look back at Donington ’93 and marvel at the skill, courage, and instinct that defined Senna at his very best.

The ‘Lap of the Gods’ remains a benchmark for wet-weather driving and a perfect example of why Ayrton Senna is still remembered as a legend of the sport.