Japanese Grand Prix 1989 - Race Schedule and Countdown

The 1989 Japanese Grand Prix delivered one of Formula 1's most controversial championship conclusions, as Alain Prost secured his third World Championship through a collision with Ayrton Senna that ended both drivers' races - or so Prost thought. Leading the race, Prost deliberately turned into Senna's attacking move at the chicane before the final corner, causing both McLarens to spin into the escape road. Prost immediately abandoned his car, assuming the championship was his. However, Senna restarted with marshals' assistance, rejoined after cutting the chicane, pitted for a new nose, and stormed through to pass Alessandro Nannini's Benetton for apparent victory.

The controversy erupted when FIA stewards disqualified Senna for cutting the chicane and gaining an unfair advantage by not stopping to serve a penalty. The decision handed Nannini his maiden victory - Benetton's first win - while Williams secured a one-two finish with Riccardo Patrese and Thierry Boutsen following the Italian home. Prost was crowned World Champion in circumstances that poisoned his relationship with Senna permanently and triggered accusations of FIA favoritism and political manipulation. Senna received a $100,000 fine and six-month suspended ban, sanctions he believed were orchestrated by FIA president Jean-Marie Balestre to punish him for challenging Prost. The Suzuka collision became one of motorsport's most infamous moments, establishing a rivalry that would explode into even more dramatic confrontation at the same corner in 1990.