WATCH | Ayrton Senna fought his car and fatigue to win 1991 Brazilian Grand Prix

Ayrton Senna is widely regarded as one of the greatest drivers to ever participate in Formula 1. His exploits behind the wheel of an F1 car are well-documented, and he is a true hero to many - not just to young racers, but to his countrymen and -women in Brazil.

But having won the 1988 and 1990 F1 World Championships, Senna was yet to win his home race. He attempted to before, but it never came to fruition. Well, until 1991 - but even this victory almost slipped away from him.

Starting on pole, Senna had a good getaway and managed to keep the race's lead from those behind him. Even when technical gremlins wreaked havoc on his competitors, he kept a cool head. But with a handful of laps remaining, the gearbox in Senna's McLaren gave in and was stuck in sixth gear. And to make matters worse, it started to rain!

Overcoming the elements and exhaustion, Ayrton Senna claimed his first victory at his home Grand Prix in 1991 ????One of the greatest performances of his career ??????#BrazilGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/Pt4ZjpRutu

Wrestling with the car

Yet, Senna, never one to give up, drove with all his might and wrestled the car around the 4.3km circuit. Low- and high-speed corners proved extremely challenging, and the car, not running in the optimal performance window, was a complete dog to race.

With two laps remaining and the rain continuing to fall, Senna signalled for the race to be stopped, but Race Control opted against it. For Senna, an early stoppage would reduce the risk of his car giving in entirely and would secure the one victory he so desperately wanted.

In the end, it all worked out, and Senna took the win in front of his adoring fans.

READ: Brazilian Grand Prix | Stats and figures you should know ahead of the F1 race

Unfortunate