Jackie Stewart Recalls Tense Moment with Ayrton Senna After 1990 F1 Title

 

In a recent interview, Sir Jackie Stewart, the legendary three-time Formula One World Champion, opened up about a tense moment with Brazilian racing icon Ayrton Senna after the 1990 Japanese Grand Prix. Stewart, known for his straightforward and often candid assessments, had publicly accused Senna of deliberately driving his rival Alain Prost off the track during that fateful race—a maneuver that ultimately helped Senna secure his second World Championship. This bold accusation did not sit well with Senna, and the fallout from the situation left a strain on their relationship for some time.

Stewart reflected on how Senna reacted to the criticism, saying, “He didn’t want to talk to me.” The tension was palpable, as Senna, known for his fiery temperament and passion for racing, was reportedly furious with Stewart’s public comments. Their once cordial relationship had become strained in the wake of the controversy, with Senna feeling deeply hurt by Stewart’s remarks.

The 1990 Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka is one of the most memorable and controversial moments in Formula One history. Senna and Prost, two of the sport’s biggest rivals, collided at the very first corner of the race, an incident that forced both drivers to retire. Senna’s bold move, which led to Prost’s retirement, handed the World Championship to the Brazilian driver. While many saw it as a deliberate act, especially given the fierce rivalry between the two drivers, Stewart,

with his wealth of racing experience, was among those who believed Senna’s actions were intentional. Prost, a former World Champion himself, was not the only one who took issue with Senna’s tactics, as many fans and pundits viewed it as a questionable move that cast a shadow over Senna’s victory.

Despite the initial fallout and tension, the relationship between Stewart and Senna eventually softened. Over time, the two men reconciled, with Stewart offering his respect for Senna’s immense talent. In a deeply emotional moment, Stewart also attended Senna’s funeral following the Brazilian’s tragic death in 1994, a gesture that highlighted the mutual respect that had grown between the two over the years.

The 1990 Japanese Grand Prix remains a defining moment in Formula One history, encapsulating the fierce rivalries, intense emotions, and sometimes complex relationships that characterize the sport. It serves as a reminder of how personalities, on-track battles, and intense pressure can shape not just the careers of drivers, but the dynamics within the motorsport community itself.

This episode between Jackie Stewart and Ayrton Senna underscores the complicated nature of professional rivalries—one where passion and respect coexisted, despite the heated moments that unfolded on and off the track.