1992 Italian Grand Prix

Previous race

Schumacher took his first Formula One victory at Spa, becoming the first German driver to win a Grand Prix since Jochen Mass in 1975. Champion Mansell finished second and Patrese third, a result that clinched the Constructors’ Championship for Williams. Senna gambled on staying out as rain fell, rejoined twelfth after a late tyre stop, and charged back to fifth. Andrea Sassetti was arrested in the Spa paddock on Saturday afternoon on allegations of forging documents and fraud — the last race for Andrea Moda.

Entrants

There is no pre-qualifying session: Brabham have not returned since Hungary, and FISA has excluded Andrea Moda from the championship for “conduct prejudicial to the sport” following a succession of incidents throughout the season. The team arrived at Monza but was refused entry. With only 28 cars remaining, two fewer than the maximum, the field is smaller than at any point this season.

Between-race developments

Nigel Mansell announced his retirement from Formula One on the morning of the race. Rumours had circulated for weeks that Williams had signed Alain Prost for 1993 and was also attempting to sign Senna, leaving no seat for the reigning world champion. Mansell proceeded to the press conference despite being told minutes beforehand that he could partner Prost — a combination that would have reunited the pair who had a famously difficult relationship at Ferrari in 1990.

Qualifying

Mansell takes his eleventh pole of the season, with Senna second and Alesi third on Ferrari’s home ground.