Former F1 team owner who gave Ayrton Senna his F1 debut has died

Ted Toleman died on Wednesday at the age of 86. In the 1980s, he was the team boss and owner of the Toleman Formula One team. Ayrton Senna made his Formula 1 debut for this team in March 1984.

Toleman competed with his own Formula 1 team between 1981 and 1985. The team achieved three podiums in total, all of which were achieved by Senna in the Brazilian's debut year. Toleman is known for giving Senna the chance to make his debut in 1984.

After 1985, his team was taken over by Benetton, later Renault. This team is still on the grid and are currently known as Alpine. Toleman suffered from a serious illness and after this long battle, he passed away last Wednesday.

Formula 1 president and CEO Stefano Domenicali was touched by the news. "I am saddened to hear that Ted Toleman has passed away. He gave so much to Formula 1 and his achievements and legacy will always be part of our history. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time," Domenicali said.