Prost vs Senna

The Story

The 1989 season saw the Prost-Senna rivalry reach its most venomous chapter. As McLaren teammates driving identical Honda-powered cars, there was nowhere to hide. The relationship, already strained, collapsed entirely after the San Marino Grand Prix when Senna broke a pre-race agreement not to attack at the first corner. From that point, the two barely spoke. The championship came down to Suzuka, where Senna needed to win. He attempted a pass on Prost at the chicane; Prost turned in and they collided. Prost retired; Senna was push-started, pitted for a new nose, and won the race — only to be disqualified for cutting the chicane during the restart. Prost took his third title, but the sense of injustice Senna felt would shape the following season's explosive finale.

Points Progression

Final Standings