1990, Ayrton Senna’s Controversial Title

Ayrton Senna is considered one of the best drivers in the history of Formula 1. With his highly aggressive driving style and unique personality, the Brazilian left his mark on the late 80s and 90s. After winning his first championship in 1988, his second title was marred by controversy due to his collision with Alain Prost. The rivalry between the two drivers at McLaren is one of the most iconic in the history of motorsport, if not sports in general.

The end of a rivalry within the team

In 1990, Alain Prost left McLaren in favor of Ferrari. Ayrton Senna saw Gerhard Berger arrive by his side as a result. His relationship with the Austrian driver is far from being as heated as with Prost. This transfer puts an end to the unique rivalry within the English team. However, the duel between the two former world champions is not over. Ayrton Senna is determined to get his revenge on the 1989 season, won by the Frenchman.

For the 1990 season, the rivalry will be determined by the development of the two teams’ race cars. The two F1 cars are very close in performance, and the rivals will fight until the end of the season to win the 1990 championship title. Ayrton Senna will achieve six victories compared to five for Alain Prost, allowing him to become a double world champion with a seven-point lead over the Frenchman. McLaren also secures the constructor’s championship title, finishing 11 points ahead of Ferrari.

The wonder of MP4/5B

This is certainly one of the most iconic racing cars. The McLaren MP4/5B was designed by Neil Oatley and won everything in 1990: the driver’s championship with Senna and the constructor’s championship. Composed of a monocoque (like all cars), the vehicle was powered by a V10 Honda engine, producing 690 horsepower at 13,000 revolutions per minute. The front and rear shock absorbers were from Showa.

From the first weekend of the race season, the race car secured the pole position at the United States Grand Prix, thanks to Senna’s teammate, Berger. Throughout the season, McLaren won six races thanks to the Brazilian driver and obtained 12 pole positions and five fastest laps during the races.

A controversial title

The 1990 season is unique and memorable, especially following the race weekend at Suzuka. Ayrton Senna obtains the pole position, just ahead of Alain Prost. However, the Brazilian is on the dirty side of the track. To be crowned world champion at the finish line, Alain Prost’s retirement could have been enough. In the event of the Frenchman’s victory, the fate of the season would have been decided in the final race, in Australia.

At the start of the Japanese Grand Prix, the disadvantage on the side of the track will result in the immediate overtaking of the Frenchman by the McLaren driver. Displeased with the situation, Senna decides to collide with Alain Prost right at the first turn, causing them both to retire from the race. With a nine-point lead over the Ferrari driver, Magic Senna is crowned champion amid controversy.

The following year, the Brazilian will admit that the collision was premeditated. In 1989, I won the race but it was taken away from me, declared the McLaren driver. I will always miss that victory in my career. I was prevented from reaching the podium even though I had won. I will never forget that. As a result of this, there was the race in 1990. The wrong placement of the pole position was not changed by Jean-Marie Balestre [former president of the FIA]. I was so frustrated that I vowed that if, after the start, I lost the first place, I would try everything on the first turn and Prost would not pass me. That was the result of stupid decisions made by politicians.

This unsportsmanlike action performed by Ayrton Senna was a personal revenge following his loss in the 1989 championship in Japan. On the 46th lap of the race, Senna attempted to overtake Prost in the chicane. The Frenchman closed the door, causing a collision. While Prost had to retire, Senna was able to continue with the assistance of the marshals by taking the escape route. He crossed the finish line in first position, but was disqualified for this action. Prost was crowned champion with a 16-point lead.

1991, the triple

The following season, Ayrton Senna wins his third title, this time without any controversy. Once again, the Brazilian overcomes his arch-rival Prost and joins the exclusive club of triple world champions. This will be his final title. In 1993, Prost returns to the world of F1 after a year-long break.

Finally, Ayrton Senna’s wonderful career will come to an end in tragedy at Imola. Following an accident in 1994 at San Marino, the Brazilian succumbed to his injuries several hours after his crash. He is the last Brazilian to have won a Formula 1 World Championship.