Senna vs Prost
Three-time champion whose rivalry with Prost defined two title-deciding collisions.
Ayrton Senna da Silva (21 March 1960 – 1 May 1994) was a Brazilian racing driver who won three Formula One World Drivers' Championship titles with McLaren. He held the record for most pole positions (65) at the time of his death and won 41 Grands Prix across 11 seasons.
Quick Facts
- Senna role
- Brazilian Formula One World Champion
- Prost role
- French Four-Time Formula One World Champion
- Shared team
- McLaren-Honda (1988–1989)
- Championships decided by rivalry
- 3
- Status
- Historic; Concluded
Lore & Background
Senna signed for McLaren in 1988 to partner Alain Prost. Together, they won 15 of 16 Grands Prix that season, with Senna taking his maiden championship by three points after winning a then-record eight Grands Prix. Their fierce 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 title and Senna taking the following. Senna took seven victories, including his home Grand Prix in Brazil, as he secured his third title in 1991.
Reader's Guide
Senna's rivalry with Prost decided the championships in 1989 and 1990 only. The 1988 title was decided by Senna's points lead, not a collision. The 1991 title was won by Senna without a decisive clash with Prost.
Did You Know?
- Senna's first go-kart was built by his father using a lawnmower engine.
- He won the 1983 British Formula Three Championship after a close battle with Martin Brundle.
- Senna was killed in a crash while leading the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix.
- He was inducted into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2000.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who were Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost?
Ayrton Senna was a Brazilian driver known for his raw speed and passion, while Alain Prost was a French competitor celebrated for his calculated precision. Both became World Champions during their time as teammates at McLaren-Honda in the late 1980s.
What roles did they play in Formula One?
Senna embodied aggressive brilliance and spiritual intensity, whereas Prost operated with tactical intelligence often called the Professor. Together, they dominated their era as two of the sport's greatest champions before their paths diverged.
How many championships were decided by their rivalry?
Their intense competition directly influenced the outcome of three World Championships during their shared tenure and subsequent battles. These titles cemented their legacy as defining figures in Grand Prix racing history.
More in Great Rivalries & Feuds
Elsewhere in McLaren Racing
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced