1990 Australian Grand Prix

Previous race

At Suzuka, a first-corner collision between Senna and Prost ended both their races immediately. Senna clinched the Drivers’ Championship as a result. McLaren secured the Constructors’ Championship when Mansell’s driveshaft snapped as he left the pits from his tyre stop while leading, leaving them with an insurmountable points advantage. Piquet and Moreno finished first and second for Benetton; Aguri Suzuki was third for Larrousse-Lola.

Between-race developments

Prost has publicly described Senna’s move at Suzuka as “disgusting” and called Senna “a man without value.” He declined to appear in the annual end-of-season drivers’ photo shoot on race morning, not wishing to be photographed alongside Senna. Jackie Stewart also caused a stir in a post-qualifying interview with Senna, claiming the Brazilian was involved in too many accidents for a driver of his ability compared to all World Champions of the past.

Milestones

This is the 500th World Championship Grand Prix since the series began in 1950. As part of the occasion, a photo shoot was held with several World Champions in attendance, including Juan Manuel Fangio.

David Brabham becomes the first Australian to start his home race since Alan Jones in 1986, driving for the Brabham team founded by his father Jack.

Qualifying

Senna took his tenth pole position of the season and 52nd of his career, setting the fastest time ever recorded on the Adelaide street circuit. Berger was alongside him on the front row.