Mansell vs Prost
The defining rivalry of Formula One: Prost vs Senna.
The Prost–Senna rivalry was a Formula One rivalry between French racing driver Alain Prost and Brazilian racing driver Ayrton Senna. Widely regarded as one of the fiercest rivalries in Formula One history, Prost and Senna together won seven of nine Formula One World Drivers' Championship titles between 1984 and 1993, including two whilst teammates at McLaren from 1988 to 1989.
Quick Facts
- Primary rivalry era
- 1989-1992
- Key teams involved
- Ferrari
- Williams
- McLaren
- Championship deciders
- 1986, 1989, 1993
- Mansell's status
- Retired Legend (FIA Hall of Fame)
- Prost's status
- Retired Legend (4x World Champion)
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.
Reader's Guide
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. Senna was arguably the fastest single-lap driver in Formula One history, while Prost employed a smooth, relaxed style. Senna charmed the crowd with risky overtakes and aggressive defense; Prost disliked taking risks on track. Off track, Senna displayed a greater natural charisma than Prost, especially in his native Brazil.
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