Revisiting the legendary British Grand Prix moment when Nigel Mansell gave Ayrton Senna a lift in his F1 car

Formula 1 has grown significantly over the years, with strict safety regulations that are life-saving on one hand but can lead to heavy penalties for drivers if even slightly violated.

However, there was a time in the 1990s when things were a little less rigid — like the iconic moment during the British Grand Prix at Silverstone, when Ayrton Senna hitched a ride on the body of Nigel Mansell’s F1 car after his own had run out of fuel.

When Ayrton Senna ran out of fuel and hitched a ride on track

The legendary British Grand Prix moment was recently shared by F1 on their X handle, leaving motorsport fans in awe. The video shows Senna taking a ride back to the garage on Mansell’s car after the latter had just won the race — and was gracious enough to offer a lift.Nigel Mansell had won the 1991 British Grand Prix at Silverstone, starting from pole position while racing for Williams-Renault. Ayrton Senna, who finished fourth, ran out of fuel in his McLaren-Honda on the final lap. True to his sporting nature, he accepted the lift back to the pits.

Fans call the British Grand Prix moment “iconic”

F1 fans hailed the moment on X, calling it “legendary” and “iconic.” Many also questioned whether such an act would even be legal under today’s regulations.

One user commented, “F1 history in one frame!” Another wrote, “@fia unban this stuff bro, drivers should be allowed to have fun.” A third said, “This is one of my favorite F1 moments.”

Another comment read, “In today's highly regulated F1, both drivers would get points on their license and/or some kind of grid penalty for the next race. Lord save us from officialdom.” In the comments section, a user also shared another video clip and pointed out, “You left out the funniest part — when the marshal tries to stop him and Senna pushes him away.”Tragically, Senna lost his life three years later in a racing accident during the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix at Imola.Also Read: Arvid Lindblad will make F1 debut with practice session at British Grand Prix, could replace Max VerstappenThe British Grand Prix returns this year to Silverstone, scheduled from July 4 – 6. It’s a special home race for McLaren’s Lando Norris, who just claimed his third win of the season in Austria on Sunday.