Formula 1: Top 5 Scandals and Controversies 

#1 Senna vs. Prost - 1989-90

Ayrton Senna of Brazil is given a push from the marshals after colliding with Alain Prost

If you were to make a list of all-time great F1 rivalries, Ayrton Senna vs. Alain Prost would definitely rank right up there. These two were embroiled in a titanic battle over multiple seasons which all began in 1988 when Senna joined McLaren as Prost’s teammate.

The 1989 Japanese Grand Prix was where the rivalry between the two teammates came to a head. The two were engaged in a close title and heading into the penultimate race in Japan, Senna needed to win the race to win the title, whereas Prost would have secured the title if Senna did not finish the race.

Prost took the early lead in the race with Senna shadowing him all the way. But when Senna made a move to take the lead into the first corner on lap 46, the two collided. The collision proved to be the end of Prost’s race, however, Senna was able to rejoin the race in second place behind new leader Alessandro Nannini, with some help from the race marshals.

Senna was able to quickly pass Nannini to win the race and the title, however, Prost had already spoken to the FIA regarding the legality of Senna’s move to rejoin the race track. After long deliberations, Senna was adjudged to have rejoined illegally and was disqualified and Prost was crowned champion.

Senna was furious with the decision and felt that Prost and Balestre’s closeness had played a part in this decision to rob him and swore to take revenge. Skipping ahead to the 1990 Japanese Grand Prix and this time Senna found himself to be in the more favoured position to win the title. Senna qualified on pole, with Prost second, however, Prost was starting from the clean side of the track and held an advantage over Senna in that regard.

It was Prost who took the lead when the race began, but as Senna tried to retake the lead, they both turned into the corner simultaneously with neither backing out causing them to collide yet again, but this time it was Senna who was crowned the champion.

There were allegations that Senna had turned into Prost deliberately out of frustration due to past events, however, he dismissed it as a normal racing event, sending the event into the annals of F1 history.