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Welder Passionate About Ayrton Senna Builds His Own Formula 1 Car at Home and Dreams of Driving It at Interlagos
A Brazilian welder is close to achieving an impressive feat: building his own Formula 1 car at home by himself. Manuel, 51, has been working on the project for nine years. He has done everything by hand, from the technical drawings to assembling the parts.
Inspired by Ayrton Senna
The passion for motorsport emerged in childhood when he watched Ayrton Senna’s races with his father.
Since then, the driver has become a reference. “He was someone who never gave up. Every time he won, he dedicated it to Brazilians who fight every day,” Manuel recalls.
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It was this spirit of perseverance that motivated him to start the project.
Even coming from a humble family, he put the dream into practice with effort, dedication, and a lot of study.
How It All Began
Manuel explains that the initial planning had no costs, as he made the drawings and research by himself.
The car’s structure was made with steel and scrap metal parts.
As a professional welder, he took advantage of his skills in construction. “I opted for metal because I am already experienced,” he explains.
The base of the project was a miniature. From this, he began to apply the actual measurements of a Formula 1 car: 5 meters long by 2 meters wide. Each stage was carried out with precision and patience.
The Goal Now Is Interlagos
Despite the significant progress on the project, the car is not yet functional. In December 2024, Manuel managed to display the model at Interlagos, but he couldn’t drive it.
The goal now is to complete the mechanical part and finally test the car on the track of his dreams.
The curious detail is that Manuel still doesn’t know how to drive. He intends to learn behind the wheel of his own Formula 1 car. The expectation is also great for his father, Mr. Luís, 75. “My biggest dream is to see him driving the car,” he says emotionally.
