Senna and Prost Rivalry

Lore & Background

The rivalry peaked during their two-year period as teammates, as well as Prost's first year at Ferrari in 1990, with the pair finishing 1–2 in each championship. Whilst teammates, Prost and Senna won 25 of 32 Grands Prix—including 11 consecutively from the start of 1988—with Senna winning the former title and Prost winning the latter. Senna led Prost 14–11 in race wins and 26–4 in pole positions; Prost held a 12–6 lead in fastest laps, 25–18 in podium finishes, and 163–150 in championship points. Their rivalry culminated in title-deciding collisions at Suzuka in 1989 and 1990, despite Prost's move to Ferrari in the latter, with Prost winning the former championship and Senna taking the following. They again finished 1–2 in the championship standings in 1993, with Prost winning the title for Williams. Whilst competing together in Formula One, both drivers traded accusations of dishonourable conduct and of receiving preferential treatment from external sources. Nonetheless, they held mutual respect for their driving abilities, and both admitted that they used the rivalry as motivation for success. Prost retired at the end of the 1993 season; Senna died at the third race of the 1994 season. At the end of their respective careers, Prost held the records for most wins (51), fastest laps (41), and podium finishes (106), whilst Senna held the record for most pole positions (65); Prost won four World Drivers' Championships—three with McLaren and one with Williams—and Senna won three, all with McLaren.

In Their Own Story

Suzuka's humidity pressed down on the circuit as the McLarens prepared for their final confrontation. Prost sat methodical, calculating every apex; Senna burned with a spiritual fire, eyes locked ahead. This was not about the grid or a clean start—it was the championship decider. As they approached the critical chicane, there was no negotiation. Only one would leave with the crown. In that moment, they raced not just for points, but to etch their names into history, knowing a single error could erase years of dominance.

Reader's Guide

The rivalry is widely regarded as one of the fiercest in Formula One history. Formula One has described it as the competition's 'defining rivalry.' Prost and Senna are two of only eleven drivers with three or more World Drivers' Championships. They drove some of the most dominant cars in Formula One history, including the McLaren MP4/4, the McLaren MP4/5, and the Williams FW15C. Their rivalry was renowned for not only their success on track, but also their contrasting driving styles and personalities. Although various rating services have attempted to compare Prost and Senna, a 2022 meta-analysis found that 'approaches that are more mathematical tend to favour Prost', while 'there is a clear tendency towards Senna' in critic rankings and driver/fan polls.

Did You Know?

• Senna was arguably the fastest single-lap driver in Formula One history, with a 'tendency to go flat out all the time.'
• Prost's mantra was to 'win as slowly as possible,' employing a smooth, relaxed style.
• Senna held the record for most pole positions (65) at the end of his career; Prost held records for most wins (51), fastest laps (41), and podium finishes (106).
• Prost and Senna together won 25 of 32 Grands Prix while teammates at McLaren from 1988 to 1989.