INTERLAGOS UNVEILS RENOVATED ICONIC AYRTON SENNA MURAL AHEAD OF SÃO PAULO GP
São Paulo, November 2024 – The iconic mural by artist Eduardo Kobra, immortalizing Ayrton Senna raising the trophy atop the podium, shines even brighter. The artwork, now four years old, has been restored by Kobra and his team in preparation for the Formula 1 Lenovo São Paulo Grand Prix.
As part of the celebrations marking 30 years of Ayrton Senna’s legacy at the São Paulo GP, the mural’s revitalization—27 meters high and 10 meters wide, located just after the entrance tunnel of the Interlagos Circuit—represents one of the most significant tributes to the three-time world champion. The project was supported by RTSC Holding, the Senna family, Senna Brands, the São Paulo City Hall, and the São Paulo GP organizers.
“It is an honor to gift the city of São Paulo this iconic work by the equally iconic artist Kobra. This mural is a present for São Paulo, Brazil, and the world, celebrating 30 years of legacy of our greatest idol, Ayrton Senna,” said Adriana Noguti, Communications Director of RTSC Holding, representing CEO Marcos Jorge at the re-inauguration ceremony.
Kobra himself, responsible for the renovation, expressed gratitude to the Senna family, São Paulo City Hall, and RTSC Holding, the project’s sponsor.
“Throughout my career, I have painted around ten murals of Senna. The most remarkable, without a doubt, are at the Imola starting grid in Italy, at the Miami GP, and here at Interlagos. As a native of São Paulo, it is a privilege to occupy such a meaningful space at our beloved circuit,” said Kobra, emphasizing the importance of preserving both the art and Senna’s legacy.
“Creating murals is important, but keeping them alive is equally essential. At Interlagos, we applied multiple layers of varnish to ensure this mural lasts for a long time. Regarding Ayrton Senna, his faith and message are eternal. All of his success and legacy are a divine work,” he reflected.
Bianca Senna, CEO of Senna Brands and Ayrton’s niece, highlighted the mural’s symbolic power, which seems to place “two Ayrtons” face to face, alongside the sculpture “Our Senna,” made of steel and aluminum with the driver’s bust at Sector A grandstand.
“It’s wonderful! It is seen all over the world. I would like to thank everyone involved in making this renovation possible. We are very happy,” said Bianca, representing the family at the ceremony.
“Interlagos is Ayrton’s home, where he made history, and celebrating 30 years of his legacy with so many people is very special,” she concluded.
São Paulo Mayor Ricardo Nunes also celebrated the moment alongside São Paulo GP CEO Alan Adler.
“What a joy to re-inaugurate this beautiful work by Kobra. These 30 years of Ayrton’s legacy are more than an example of an athlete—they are an inspiration of patriotism, hope, and good values for our present and future. Everything Ayrton taught and left us as a heritage is invaluable,” Nunes emphasized.
About the São Paulo GP
The São Paulo F1 Grand Prix is the premier recurring event on Brazil’s sporting calendar. As one of the stages of the Formula 1 World Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championship, it takes place annually at the Interlagos Circuit in São Paulo. The most recent edition attracted 267,000 spectators over three days and injected more than R$1.64 billion into the local economy, while creating around 17,000 jobs. Broadcast live to more than 180 countries, it generates US$ 439 million in media returns for the city. In addition to offering world-class entertainment, the São Paulo GP provides its partners with a powerful platform for brand exposure and relationship building. In full alignment with Formula 1’s guidelines, the São Paulo GP actively promotes environmental sustainability, diversity, and social inclusion.
Media contacts:
São Paulo F1 Grand Prix
Castilho de Andrade / Marília Frias – [email protected]