The 1988 Formula 1 season fundamentally altered the trajectory of the sport. It elevated driver rivalry to mainstream global news, establishing a blueprint for modern sporting drama.
Before 1988, Alain Prost was the undisputed king at McLaren, already a two-time World Champion. When double champion Nelson Piquet left Williams, Prost encouraged McLaren management to sign the brilliant young Brazilian, Ayrton Senna. It was a decision that reshaped F1 history.