1991 Australian Grand Prix

Championship standings

Senna is the 1991 World Drivers’ Champion. The Constructors’ Championship is still undecided — McLaren and Williams both arrive in Adelaide with a chance of the title.

Previous race

At Suzuka, Mansell spun off on lap 10 while chasing Senna, beaching his Williams in a gravel trap and ending his championship challenge. Senna was crowned World Champion for the third time. Berger led the closing stages and won with the blessing of the McLaren team.

Between-race developments

Ferrari have terminated Alain Prost’s contract following his public criticism of the team at the post-race press conference in Japan, where he described his car as a “truck”. Ferrari test driver Gianni Morbidelli takes Prost’s seat for this race. Roberto Moreno, dropped by Jordan earlier in the season, returns to Formula 1 at Minardi in place of Morbidelli. Benetton have not renewed Nelson Piquet’s contract; Australia is his final race. Bertrand Gachot has returned from prison to replace the injured Éric Bernard at Larrousse. The Coloni team are entered for their final Formula 1 Grand Prix; new owner Andrea Sassetti has confirmed the team will be reborn as Andrea Moda Formula for 1992.