However, a series of incidents and controversies began to plague the championship. At the British Grand Prix, Senna and Prost collided on the first lap, resulting in a fiery crash that destroyed both cars. The incident led to a heated exchange between the two drivers and their teams.
Meanwhile, Nelson Piquet, driving for Benetton, quietly went about his business, scoring consistent points and occasionally challenging for wins. Michael Schumacher, Piquet's teammate, also impressed in his rookie season, scoring a number of podiums and setting a number of fastest laps.
| Round | Grand Prix | Circuit | Date | |-------|------------|---------|------| | 1 | United States | Phoenix | March 11 | | 2 | Brazilian | Interlagos | March 25 | | 3 | San Marino | Imola | May 13 | | 4 | Monaco | Monaco | May 27 | | 5 | Canadian | Circuit Gilles Villeneuve | June 10 | | 6 | Mexican | Hermanos Rodriguez | June 24 | | 7 | French | Paul Ricard | July 8 | | 8 | British | Silverstone | July 15 | | 9 | German | Hockenheimring | July 29 | | 10 | Hungarian | Hungaroring | August 12 | | 11 | Belgian | Spa-Francorchamps | August 26 | | 12 | Italian | Monza | September 9 | | 13 | Portuguese | Estoril | September 23 | | 14 | Spanish | Jerez | September 30 | | 15 | Japanese | Suzuka | October 21 | | 16 | Australian | Adelaide | November 4 | 1990 f1 season
It was a somber year for some legends. Nelson Piquet, now driving for Benetton, showed flashes of his old brilliance, taking the final two wins of the season in Japan and Australia (after Senna and Prost had crashed out or retired), proving he still had the craft even as his motivation waned. It was also the year Nigel Mansell announced his retirement (a decision he would later reverse) after growing frustrated with the Ferrari’s handling and the internal politics, famously throwing his steering wheel into the bushes at Silverstone.
The 1990 season ended with Ayrton Senna as a two-time World Champion, but the victory left a bitter taste. The deliberate crash at Suzuka forced the FIA to rethink safety and regulations, eventually leading to changes in grid positioning and driving standards. However, a series of incidents and controversies began
Prost was deducted 2 points after the Spanish GP for illegally changing cars.
1990 F1 Standings: See all drivers & teams season final results Meanwhile, Nelson Piquet, driving for Benetton, quietly went
The season is best understood as a psychological and on-track duel between and Alain Prost (Ferrari) , following Prost’s move from McLaren after their 1989 clash.
Ultimately, 1990 was the peak of the "win at all costs" mentality that defined the late 80s and early 90s. It was a season where the rivalry wasn't just about who was faster, but who was willing to go furthest over the edge. It was raw, dangerous, and undeniably compelling—a true gladiatorial spectacle.