Senna's moments of Monaco magic
Why Ayrton Senna was of synonimous with the Monaco Grand Prix
Known as the Master of Monaco, Ayrton Senna made the principality his playground.
Senna understood the famed street circuit like no other driver, building up a unique connection with the city-state that allowed him to make Monaco his own.
There was something supernatural about Ayrton in Monaco, and after completing what is widely regarded as the greatest Qualifying lap in Formula 1 history at the 1988 Monaco Grand Prix, Senna famously explained: “Suddenly I realised that I was no longer driving the car consciously. I was driving it by a kind of instinct, only I was in a different dimension.”
With six incredible victories, Senna has won the Monaco Grand Prix more than any other driver, but it wasn't merely his victories in Monte Carlo that helped establish the Senna legend there.
The formidable runner-up spot on his Monaco Grand Prix debut, the bitter disappointment following the crash that yielded the win to team-mate Alain Prost, and the calm assurance with which he held Nigel Mansell at bay all embellish the great Brazilian's position as F1's greatest driver.
Here, we dive into each of Ayrton's 10 Monaco Grands Prix as we explore how he excelled on the circuit and why the Senna legend in Monte Carlo has stood the test of time.
1984
The race at which the Senna legend was born: fighting bravely through the rain in his unwieldy Toleman, he looked set the assume the lead when the race was (controversially) red-flagged.
Car: Toleman TG184
Qualified: 13th
Finished: 2nd
1985
In his evocative black and gold Lotus, Senna led from pole for the first dozen laps, but was stymied by an engine problem, which put him out of the race.
Car: Lotus 97T
Qualified: 1st
Finished: Retired on Lap 13
1986
If Senna was on-form, his Lotus this year was no match for the two McLarens driven by victor Alain Prost and team-mate Keke Rosberg. Senna was best of the rest, finishing third.
Car: Lotus 98T
Qualified: 3rd
Finished: 3rd
1987
Senna’s first Monaco victory – a race he commanded after pole-sitter Nigel Mansell retired with turbo failure. This was also the first grand prix win for a car fitted with active suspension.
Car: Lotus 98T
Qualified: 2nd
Finished: 1st
1988
A weekend of huge drama: on Saturday, Ayrton nailed an awesome pole lap, then on Sunday he binned it while running effortlessly at the front. Both were formative experiences in his career.
Car: McLaren MP4/4
Qualified: 1st
Finished: Retired on Lap 66
1989
Senna dominated the race, even managing to disguise his pace to protect from chasing teammate Alain Prost after losing first and second gear in the closing laps.
Car: McLaren MP4/5
Qualified: 1st
Finished: 1st
1990
An effortless Grand Chelem (pole, lights-to-flag victory and fastest lap) for the Brazilian, who nailed his third win around the streets of the principality.
Car: McLaren MP4/5B
Qualified: 1st
Finished: 1st
1991
Another easy win for Senna, who had the experience and machinery to control the race from the front, finishing 18 seconds ahead of Nigel Mansell.
Car: McLaren MP4/6
Qualified: 1st
Finished: 1st
1992
Senna was unable to stem the Williams-Renaults in qualifying, but satisfyingly turned the tables in the race, profiting from Mansell’s late pit-stop to assume the lead in the dramatic closing laps.
Car: McLaren MP4/7
Qualified: 3rd
Finished: 1st
1993
In his last appearance at the principality, Senna’s sixth victory moved him ahead of ‘Mr Monaco’ Graham Hill, who won in 1963, '64, '65, '68 and '69.
Car: McLaren MP4-8
Qualified: 3rd
Finished: 1st
1994
The 1994 edition of the race was the first to be held following Senna and Roland Ratzenberger’s deaths during the San Marino Grand Prix.
As a result, all the drivers assembled on the grid to pay their respects before the start of the Monaco Grand Prix.
