In the qualifying session of the San Marino Grand Prix, held at the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari, Roland Ratzenberger, an Austrian Formula One driver, suffered a fatal incident that marked a critical moment in motorsport history. Ratzenberger, driving for the Simtek team, lost control of his vehicle at high speed on the track's Villeneuve curve. His car struck the concrete wall, resulting in devastating damage and the impact leading to severe head injuries. Emergency services quickly responded, but despite their best efforts, he was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the hospital.

The tragedy unfolded during a weekend that had already been shrouded in tension due to the deadly crash of Ayrton Senna the following day. Ratzenberger's death emphasized the need for improved safety standards in Formula One racing, as he was the first F1 driver to die during a race weekend since 1982. His accident, alongside Senna's, spurred widespread changes in regulations, impacting car design and track safety measures. The events of that weekend became pivotal in prompting the FIA to take decisive actions to protect drivers.

In the wake of the crash, the motorsport community rallied to honor Ratzenberger's memory. The season continued with heightened scrutiny regarding safety protocols. The San Marino GP of 1994 is often remembered as a turning point, emphasizing the fragility of life in high-speed motorsport and solidifying commitment to drivers' safety across the sport.