The 1989 Formula 1 World Championship was the 43rd season of FIA Formula One motor racing. It featured the 1989 Formula One World Championship for Drivers and the 1989 Formula One World Championship for Constructors, which were contested concurrently over a sixteen-race series. The season is best remembered for the fierce rivalry between McLaren teammates Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna, culminating in a controversial collision at the Japanese Grand Prix that decided the championship in Prost's favor.
The 1989 season began at the Jacarepaguá circuit in Rio de Janeiro. Nigel Mansell, driving for Ferrari, took victory in his debut race for the team, becoming the first man to win on his Ferrari debut since Mario Andretti in 1971.
Ayrton Senna secured his first victory of the 1989 season at the Circuit de Monaco. Starting from pole position, Senna dominated the race, finishing nearly a minute ahead of his teammate Alain Prost.
Alain Prost won the British Grand Prix at Silverstone after his teammate Ayrton Senna ran out of fuel on the final lap. Senna's retirement allowed Prost to close the gap in the drivers' championship.
Nigel Mansell claimed a dramatic victory at the Hungaroring. Starting from 12th on the grid, Mansell charged through the field and passed Ayrton Senna for the lead with just a few laps remaining, securing one of the most memorable wins of his career.
Alain Prost won the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, further extending his lead in the championship. The race was notable for Gerhard Berger's fiery crash at the Variante della Curva Grande, from which he escaped with only minor burns.
Although the Japanese Grand Prix was held on October 22, the events leading to Alain Prost's third World Championship were sealed the day before during qualifying and the subsequent race events. Prost's consistency throughout the season, combined with Senna's disqualification at Suzuka, mathematically secured him the 1989 Drivers' Championship.
The Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka was marred by the infamous collision between McLaren teammates Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost. Prost turned into Senna at the Casio Triangle chicane, taking both cars off the track. Prost retired, while Senna eventually crossed the line first but was disqualified for missing the chicane and using the escape road, handing the championship to Prost.
The 1989 season concluded with the Australian Grand Prix in Adelaide. Thierry Boutsen took his second career victory in a race of attrition. Alain Prost, already crowned champion, retired early, while Ayrton Senna crashed out from the lead, ending a tumultuous season for the McLaren team.
