1989 Formula 1 Season

Senna Won the Monaco Grand Prix for the Second Time

Jan 1, 2009 Kevin Guthrie

Ayrton Senna had always been quite special around the Monaco F1 circuit, and he showed his ability again in the 1989 race.

The opening race of the 1989 Formula 1 season, in Brazil, saw Nigel Mansell take victory for Ferrari. The San Marino Grand Prix was won by McLaren driver Ayrton Senna. At Imola the Brazilian overtook his team-mate Alain Prost, a move which the Frenchman believed contravened a pre-race agreement between the two. It was the catalyst for a rivalry the like of which the sport had never seen before.

Senna Wins Second Monaco Grand Prix

Ferrari only entered one car at Monaco, for Mansell. Gerhard Berger was still recovering from the effects of his massive accident at Imola. Senna finished qualifying on pole, ahead of Prost. The Brazilian then dominated the race, scoring his second Grand Prix win in the principality.

Prost finished second at Monaco, while there was a surprise in third. Brabham driver Stefano Modena finished in the final podium position, providing a boost for the once great team.

Third Win of the Formula 1 Season for Senna

Berger was back in action for the Mexican Grand Prix, but neither Ferrari driver had an answer for McLaren during qualifying. Senna took another pole position, with Prost second. Mansell was their closest challenger in third.

The first attempt at running the Grand Prix ended with a red flag. This was due to a multi-car accident involving Stefano Modena’s Brabham, Olivier Grouillard’s Ligier, Alex Caffi’s Scuderia Italia Dallara and Ivan Capelli’s Leyton House March.

Senna led at the re-start, chased by Prost. Meanwhile, Mansell made progress by passing team-mate Berger and then inheriting second place when Prost pitted for tyres. The day ultimately ended in disappointment for the Ferrari driver when his semi-automatic gearbox broke.

It was Senna who crossed the finish line ahead, with Patrese’s Williams second. The Tyrrell team had cause to celebrate as Michele Alboreto brought one of their cars home in third. Prost had a frustrating Grand Prix and could finish no higher than fifth.

The first part of the 1989 season had belonged to Senna. He only failed to win one of the opening four races, when Mansell and Ferrari scored an unexpected victory in Brazil. Although he hadn’t won a Grand Prix yet, Prost remained very much in contention for the World Championship. In the first four races he had recorded three second places and a fifth. The next round would be staged at a new street circuit in Phoenix, Arizona. The US Grand Prix was staged at a number of unsuitable venues following its departure from Watkins Glen. Phoenix would prove to be another uninspiring circuit.

The copyright of the article 1989 Formula 1 Season in Auto Racing is owned by Kevin Guthrie. Permission to republish 1989 Formula 1 Season in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Riccardo Patrese's 1989 Williams F1 car