Berger vs. Senna

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.

In Their Own Story

The garage hummed with the low thrum of engines cooling down after qualifying. Senna sat in his helmet, eyes closed, visualizing the Monaco circuit. Across the paddock, Berger adjusted his gloves, studying telemetry from the Ferrari. The air smelled of high-octane fuel and rain-dampened tarmac. No words were exchanged between them today; the track would speak for both. When the lights went out, it was a duel of speed against consistency, McLaren's pace against Ferrari's determination.

Reader's Guide

Senna was arguably the fastest single-lap driver in Formula One history. He had a 'tendency to go flat out all the time,' and was renowned for his 'high-revving, curb-clipping, crowd-pleasing school of automobile racing.' By contrast, Prost employed a smooth, relaxed style, with a mantra to 'win as slowly as possible.' Senna charmed the crowd with risky overtakes and aggressive defense; McLaren's website writes that he 'made it evident that he'd rather crash than give way.' Prost disliked taking risks on track, especially in the rain, which was one of Senna's greatest strengths. Off track, Senna cultivated a public image of 'an inward-looking, aloof driver who is hard to get along with,' while Prost was more sociable. Both drivers traded accusations of dishonourable conduct and of receiving preferential treatment, but held mutual respect for their driving abilities.

Did You Know?

• Prost and Senna together won seven of nine World Drivers' Championships between 1985 and 1993.
• As teammates at McLaren in 1988–1989, they won 25 of 32 Grands Prix, including 11 consecutively from the start of 1988.
• 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 won four World Drivers' Championships (three with McLaren, one with Williams); Senna won three, all with McLaren.
• Their rivalry culminated in title-deciding collisions at Suzuka in 1989 and 1990.