Italian Grand Prix 1988 - Race Schedule and Countdown

The 1988 Italian Grand Prix produced the season's most shocking result, as Ferrari claimed a famous one-two finish at Monza while both McLarens collided and retired. Gerhard Berger led Michele Alboreto home to trigger wild celebrations from the passionate Tifosi, who invaded the track in scenes of unbridled joy. The race became infamous for the Senna-Prost collision, where the teammates came together at the first chicane on lap 49 while Senna attempted to lap the Frenchman's slower car, ending both their races and causing a furious confrontation.

The Monza collision marked the breaking point in Senna and Prost's relationship, as both drivers blamed each other for the contact that handed Ferrari their only victory of the season. Senna felt Prost had blocked him deliberately, while Prost believed Senna's aggressive move was unnecessary and dangerous given their championship positions. The incident poisoned their partnership irreparably, transforming what had been professional tension into open hostility. For Ferrari, the victory provided emotional relief after a season dominated by McLaren-Honda, giving the Tifosi hope that the Scuderia could challenge in 1989. Eddie Cheever's third place for Arrows completed an unexpected podium that demonstrated how McLaren's absence opened opportunities for midfield teams.