1993 Brazilian Grand Prix

Lore & Background

The 71-lap race was won by local hero Ayrton Senna, driving a McLaren-Ford, with Briton Damon Hill second in a Williams-Renault and German Michael Schumacher third in a Benetton-Ford. Senna's victory marked McLaren's 100th race win in Formula One. Senna was the last Brazilian driver to win his home race until Felipe Massa in 2006.

In Their Own Story

The cockpit smelled of rubber and damp earth. Prost gripped the wheel, eyes scanning the grey horizon over Interlagos. The rain had just ceased, leaving puddles that shimmered under the floodlights. He felt the Renault engine hum beneath him, a familiar vibration signaling power ready to be unleashed on the drying asphalt.

Reader's Guide

Qualifying saw Williams 1–2 with Prost on pole ahead of Hill. Senna qualified third ahead of Schumacher, Andretti and Patrese. The sole non-qualifier was Ivan Capelli, who left the Jordan team after failing to qualify. At the start, Senna got ahead of Hill but Andretti hit Berger, taking both out along with Brundle and Barbazza. Prost led early, but after a stop-go penalty for Senna and a rain shower, Prost crashed into Fittipaldi's stopped car and both retired. The safety car was deployed. Senna passed Hill after the tyre stops and won. Schumacher recovered to third after a stop-go penalty. Several Brazilian fans invaded the circuit in celebration.

Did You Know?

• Senna's victory was McLaren's 100th Formula One win.
• The safety car was used for only the second time in Formula One history, following its trial at the 1973 Canadian Grand Prix.
• Ivan Capelli did not race in Formula One again after failing to qualify for this race.