Lewis Hamilton pays emotional tribute to ‘hero’ Ayrton Senna 25 years after F1 legend’s death

LEWIS HAMILTON has paid an emotional tribute to his “hero” and F1 inspiration Ayrton Senna – on the 25th anniversary of the Brazilian’s death in a racing accident.

Five-time world champ Hamilton says the “true master” who won the crown three times “captivated” him from an early age.

Senna was 34 when he died after his Williams car crashed into a concrete wall at 191mph while leading the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix.

Hamilton today tweeted: “I remember sitting next to my Dad and watching you on the TV from the age 4 or 5.

“Ayrton, the way you raced captivated me from the beginning and drew me closer to this sport.

“You are a pure, out-and-out racer, a true master, a hero. You will live on for eternity.”

The British superstar’s message won universal approval on Twitter, with many race fans revealing they too were brought to the sport by Senna’s brilliance.

One woman said: “Oh Lewis you made me cry. Me too! As a child every Sunday in the morning watching him and waiting to see him with his Brazilian flag in the end of the race. You also are an inspiration for many children.”

And another F1 follower tweeted: “If some people had 1 per cent of Ayrton’s charm, charisma and god given talent… what a wonderful world it would be! Still pain after 25 years…”

Hamilton’s words also drew a warm reception from Brazil, where the Mercedes ace was thanked for showing such “respect”.