Remembering Roland Ratzenberger 🤍 | Remembering Ratzenberger | Sky Sports F1 Documentary

On the 30th anniversary of his passing, Sky Sports F1 takes a look back at the Austrian’s story.

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[Vorgaloth]

Los Angeles, 2014 -- I was with my co-worker picking up computer equipment. At the front desk was a lovely young woman who greeted us. I noticed her last name, Ratzenberger. And as unlikely as I thought it would be, I had to ask: "I noticed your last name. This may sound silly, but you wouldn't happen to be related to Roland the F1 driver?" She paused with a very surprised look on her face and a moment later she said "Yes! He was my uncle. I was very young and he was gone a lot because of racing so I barely remember him but my family still miss him a lot".

I was kinda shocked that she really was related to him and didn't know how to respond at first. I told her I watched the race that tragic weekend and was only 11 years old. I also said that Roland's death affected me and that the following day was one of the worst days of my childhood when Ayrton died. That whole weekend was weird being a kid and seeing all these accidents. She acknowledged how tragic that weekend was.

Before I left, I shook her hand and said thank you for the chat. She was very nice and polite. The rest of my day was an inexplicable feeling. I guess having such a memorable event of your childhood and 20 years later to randomly meet a family member of the person who tragically died that weekend brought back all those memories and emotions in a more connected way, if that makes any sense. Kinda weird how us humans function and connect, isn't it? I'm very glad it happened though. I'm also glad that both drivers are still recognized every year after all this time. R.I.P Roland & Ayrton.

[azapro]

Best Ratzenberger documentary I've seen from a broadcaster; while Senna's story is known back to front by now, there's plenty to find out about Roland's journey to F1.

[mokavyssino]

Respect to all the drivers who lost their lives in the name of safety in motorsports.

[darylrack]

He was such a likable guy RIP Roland you will never be forgotten.

[RltchieI]

I’m a Senna fan, I watched my hero die before my eyes 30 years ago tomorrow, but I never forget Roland. R.I.P Roland, you will never be forgotten.

[tallesmagno]

I remember Ratzenberger in BTCC for a few races in 1988 and it was clear that even in Alan Minshawe's private M3 over the satellite-works Prodrive cars of Sytner and Smith, he was an amazing talent.

[therasmus]

Rest in peace Roland, you are part of F1 history, and you will never be forgotten. 🙏🏻

[tim]

Class act from you guys at Sky Sports to upload this documentary on Roland.
He has been somewhat overshadowed by Senna, which is understandable, but he should never be forgotten.
Both hero drivers had a crucial influence on the current safety of F1.

Senna Siempre and never forget Ratzenberger <3

[mpainter]

About time we had a proper documentary about Roland

[TheAlphaDingo]

really good doco about Roland. Often he's remembered as 'the other guy who died the same weekend Senna was lost' but this really humanises his journey and life. He had family, friends and was just a young man doing what he loved in pursuit of his goal. Glad he managed to live that dream. Loved the little stories shared too. RIP Roland.

[LeTon]

I was there as a boy with my Dad. We were literally a few metres away from where Roland crashed and the next day we were spectating on the corner where Senna crashed, two of my worst memories ever. I still occasionally have nightmares after all these years later about what I saw. RIP Roland & Senna ❤

[anime_addicted]

Ratsenburgers death is normally overshadowed because of senna but it’s was equally as sad

[jrushen]

I used to transport Gatmo engines between Germany and the UK. Roland was working there and I helped him in a Formula Ford at a test session at a circuit in Germany the name of which I can't remember. He came back with me in the van to the UK. A truly great guy.

[WarriorRazor]

Roland Ratzenberger died achieving his dream. Not many get to achieve their dream before they die.
His death will forever be overshadowed by what happened the day after his death but he will also never be forgotten because of it.
R.I.P. Roland, you were an incredible talent, lost way too soon. Thank you for the respectful and tasteful tribute.

[midnighttgt]

Well done to sky for producing this man, poor Roland doesn't get enough recognition

[MartiniPinball]

Always thought it to be a beautiful gesture that Max Mosley went to Roland’s funeral, because he knew nobody’d from the paddock would come due to Senna’s passing. And he thought that just wouldn’t do.

[SteveT-]

I still have that qually and race on tape, can't watch it but can't throw it away for some reason. RIP Roland!

[MM-xrtz]

A truly tragic weekend in motorsport. Thank you for producing this, RIP Roland.

[jsb]

Max Mosley got a lot of criticism over the years- But I was so impressed he went to Roland's funeral instead of Senna's. He said later "Roland had been forgotten. So, I went to his funeral because everyone went to Senna's. I thought it was important that somebody went to his."

[SiVlog]

I can still see the barely contained smile on his face when he talked about his long awaited chance to get into Formula One after years of racing to a high standard in Japan:

"I had five very good years in Japan, and I'm very happy to be in Formula One. If you have any opportunity in Formula One, you take it, whatever you're doing at the time. It is the top, it's what everyone is aiming for, so I'm very happy to do it, "

Although nobody in motorsport thinks about the possibility of their own mortality, they certainly don't want to die, I'm sure that if Roland could have chosen a way to go, it would be at the wheel of an F1 car. I'm sure, despite the slow pace of the Simtek S941, he died happy