Twenty five years on, Lewis Hamilton remembers who inspired his F1 career.Hamilton has described Ayrton Senna as the "most iconic driver" in Formula 1 history, as the sport remembers the Brazilian legend 25 years on from his passing.May 1 marks the anniversary of F1's harrowing 1994 San Marino GP when Senna and Roland Ratzenberger died in accidents during the Imola weekend.Senna, regarded by many to be the greatest driver in Formula One history as he won three world championships, was at the peak of his career when the accident happened.Senna finally secured his dream move to the dominant Williams team after years at McLaren, which inspired a young Lewis Hamilton at the time.

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Hamilton was nine-years-old at the time and earmarks Senna as his inspiration for taking up the sport.

“I remember sitting next to my Dad and watching you on the TV from age of 4 or 5.

“Ayrton, the way you raced captivated me from the beginning and drew me closer to this sport.”

Of the current drivers, Hamilton, who has won five titles in his career, is often compared to his boyhood hero.

He was one of many people to tweet a tribute to the Brazilian legend on Wednesday.

"[Senna] was the driver who inspired me as a kid and he's still a hero today. And he always will be," added Hamilton.

Hamilton said he wanted to emulate the achievements of Senna as a youngster as the Mercedes driver completed his 1,000th Grand Prix race in Shanghai last month.

The British driver will always remember his childhood icon and will look to claim victory in the Spanish Grand Prix in a fortnight's time.

“You are a pure, out-and-out racer, a true master, a hero.”

“You will live on for eternity.”