1990 F1 World Championship
Senna Proved Unbeatable Again in the Monaco Formula 1 Race
After Riccardo Patrese’s surprise win at Imola the Formula 1 teams and drivers reconvened in Monte Carlo for the Monaco Grand Prix. Ayrton Senna had won two of the previous three races there and was the favourite once more.
Senna Takes Third Monaco Grand Prix Win
Senna showed his mastery of the Monaco street circuit during qualifying by taking pole in his McLaren. Alain Prost started from second in his Ferrari, with the extraordinary Jean Alesi third for Tyrrell.
When the Grand Prix got underway Senna maintained his lead, only for the race to be red flagged, due to a collision between Prost and a fast starting Gerhard Berger. Both drivers were able to take the re-start.
At the second attempt Senna once again led the way, followed by Prost and Alesi. Prost’s day finished earlier than he would have liked, as his Ferrari succumbed to electrical gremlins. Senna won the race, ahead of Alesi in second and Gerhard Berger, third in the other McLaren.
Another Senna Victory in the Canadian Grand Prix
There were no major surprises in qualifying at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. Senna was on pole yet again, followed by his team-mate Berger and Prost’s Ferrari. The race started on a damp track and Berger anticipated the lights, incurring a one minute time penalty.
Senna led until the track dried, when everyone started stopping for slicks. Benetton’s Alessandro Nannini had an unfortunate incident, hitting a groundhog and having to pit to have the unfortunate animal removed from his car. Berger led on the track after the pit stops, but stood little chance of making up his one minute deficit.
Thierry Boutsen was running well until he spun and collected Nicola Larini’s Ligier. Nannini also retired, only for his stranded Benetton to be hit by an errant Tyrrell driven by Alesi.
Senna took his third victory of the 1990 Formula 1 season. Nelson Piquet eventually finished second for Benetton, over 10 seconds behind his countryman. Mansell came home third in his Ferrari.
Prost Wins Mexican Formula 1 Race
In Mexico, for once, Senna didn’t take his customary pole position. The honour went to his team-mate Berger, with Riccardo Patrese second and Senna only third. Despite this, Senna was soon in the lead of the race, followed by Berger. The latter experienced tyre trouble and was forced to pit, dropping him well down the order.
The Ferrari drivers began to move up the field together, until Mansell was second, followed by Prost. Mansell lost the place to Prost, who then inherited the lead as one of Senna’s tyres exploded, eliminating him from proceedings. Mansell spun his car, allowing the recovering Berger into second, but the Englishman claimed the place back on the final lap. Prost won comfortably from Mansell, with Berger third.
1990 McLaren-Honda Formula 1 car
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