Ayrton Senna's most inspiring quotes
The top 3 according to 103 votes from people: Whoever you are, always aim for great strength, great determination and (…) great faith in God, and one day you will get there. · … When I have to overtake, I will overtake. Every driver has his limit. Mine is a little above everyone else's. · What matters is winning. Everything, always. This idea that what matters is taking part is pure demagoguery.. (Updated Oct 4, 2024.)
"Whoever you are… one day you will get there", "Either you do something well or you don't do it" and "My limit is a bit above everyone else's": lines by the three-time Formula 1 champion on effort, fear, faith and the will to win, with the source of each.
Automatically translated (original in Português). See the original
Top 13
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1
Whoever you are, always aim for great strength, great determination and (…) great faith in God, and one day you will get there.
"Whoever you are, whatever your position in life, the highest or the lowest, always aim for great strength, great determination, and always do everything with a lot of love and great faith in God, and one day you will get there." Interview with journalist João Doria Júnior, 1994, in Angra dos Reis.
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2
… When I have to overtake, I will overtake. Every driver has his limit. Mine is a little above everyone else's.
«I don't know how to drive any other way than at risk. When I have to overtake, I will overtake. Every driver has his limit. Mine is a little above everyone else's.» Quoted by Veja magazine (special issue, 3 May 1994); said in January 1989.
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3
What matters is winning. Everything, always. This idea that what matters is taking part is pure demagoguery.
A widely quoted line, collected in the Portuguese Wikiquote.
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4
Accidents are unexpected and unwanted, but they are part of life. The moment you sit in a racing car and compete to win, second or third place is not enough.
August 1991, quoted in Terra's special "20 years without Senna".
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5
When it comes to performance, commitment, effort and dedication, there is no middle ground. Either you do something well or you don't do it.
Collected in the Portuguese Wikiquote.
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6
… Others, and I think I am one of them, learn to live with it and see it not as something negative but as a feeling of self-preservation.
«Fear is part of our lives. Some people don't know how to face it. Others, and I think I am one of them, learn to live with it and see it not as something negative but as a feeling of self-preservation.» June 1991, quoted by Veja magazine.
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7
… Many people have the ability but not the opportunity. He gave it to me, I don't know why. I know I can't waste it.
«God owns everything. I owe Him the opportunity I had to get where I got. Many people have the ability but not the opportunity. He gave it to me, I don't know why. I know I can't waste it.» Interview with the Boletim Salesiano, May–June 1994.
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8
I am afraid of death and pain, but I live with it well. Fear fascinates me.
Quoted by Veja magazine (special issue, 3 May 1994); said in 1993.
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9
What do I feel in a car at 300 km/h? Emotion, pleasure and challenge.
Quoted by Jornal do Brasil.
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10
I don't have idols. I admire work, dedication and competence.
Quoted by Veja magazine (special issue, 3 May 1994); said in October 1981.
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11
The rich can no longer live on an island surrounded by a sea of poverty. We all breathe the same air. We must give everyone a chance, at least a basic chance.
Quoted by Veja magazine, issue 1440 (1996).
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12
Brazilians only accept a title if it is the champion's. And I am Brazilian.
Quoted by IstoÉ magazine, issue 1675 (2001).
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13
I am happy. I will be fully happy, perhaps, if I reach 60 with wisdom.
October 1991, quoted in Terra's special "20 years without Senna".
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Comments (1)
Eu tinha 9 anos naquele 1º de maio e lembro do meu pai chorando na frente da TV. A do «um dia você chega lá» ficou colada na geladeira lá de casa por anos.