F1’s fear of the rain is costing the sport its soul

IT’S strange to look back at the 1990s and realise that, even here on the tip of Africa, everyone knew who Wayne Gretzky was.

- MORGAN BOLTON

The same was true — even more profoundly — of Ayrton Senna. These were names that transcended borders and sports, legends shaped not just by talent, but by the drama and danger that defined their eras.

Back then, the World Wide Web was still an undiscovered country, and the world felt both larger and more connected in unexpected ways. Brazilian Senna wasn't just a F1 driver — he was a global icon, forged in a time when the sport still had real teeth. I was still a youngster, and although I couldn't fully comprehend Senna’s death, even I understood, as a 10-year-old in 1994, that the world had lost a once-in-a-generation talent.

In the aftermath, F1 was forced into a period of serious self-reflection — one that still echoes today. The sport has become far safer, thanks to rule changes that prioritise both driver and spectator welfare. Trackside technology has also come a long way.

Chassis that absorb impact, cockpits that cocoon the driver, HANS devices, improved barriers, and safety-focused circuit designs have all contributed to a more secure racing environment. The introduction of the Halo alone has already saved lives.