1991 F1 Season

The 1991 Formula One World Championship was a pivotal season in the sport’s history, marking the 45th season of FIA Formula One motor racing. Ayrton Senna, driving for McLaren-Honda, clinched his third and final World Championship, while McLaren-Honda secured their fourth consecutive Constructors’ Championship. The season, spanning 16 races from 10 March to 3 November, saw Senna win seven races, with his main challenger being Nigel Mansell of Williams, who won five races. The season was also notable for the debut of future world champions Michael Schumacher and Mika Häkkinen, and the retirement of three-time champion Nelson Piquet. This season was the last to see a Brazilian driver win the World Championship, the last constructors’ title for a Honda-powered car until 2022, and the last drivers’ championship for a Honda-powered driver until 2021.

Significant changes in teams and drivers marked the season. McLaren retained the successful duo of Senna and Gerhard Berger, while Williams re-signed Mansell, promising him the lead role. Ferrari kept Alain Prost but replaced Nigel Mansell with Jean Alesi. Benetton began the season with two Brazilian drivers, Roberto Moreno and Nelson Piquet, but Moreno was later replaced by Michael Schumacher. The season also witnessed the introduction of a new points system, awarding 10 points to race winners. The opening race in the USA saw Senna take victory, while the Brazilian Grand Prix was a triumph for Senna at his home circuit. The season was a showcase of intense rivalries, technical advancements, and the emergence of new talents, setting the stage for a new era in Formula One racing.