Senna – Prost, Bianchi… The most memorable editions of the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka

Few circuits can boast of crystallizing as many emotions as SuzukaSometimes the scene of unforgettable coronations, sometimes the site of indelible tragedies, the Honda circuit has forged its reputation by writing emblematic pages in the history of the Formula 1 since its arrival on the calendar in 1987. Ayrton Senna / duels Alain Prost, through the comeback of Kimi Räikkönen and up to the drama of the late Jules Bianchi, a look back at the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka the most significant in history.

1989 Japanese GP: Controversial title duel

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The rivalry between Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost reached its peak at Suzuka, where the drivers' title was decided between the two men. McLaren The two protagonists once again locked down the front row. Prost, who was leading the race, was attacked by his teammate but closed the door at the last chicane, causing a collision. The French driver retired, but the Brazilian restarted with the help of the stewards. Ayrton Senna won the race... before being disqualified for having short-circuited the chicane during his maneuver on his teammate and having received outside assistance. The title went to Alain Prost in a highly contested decision, fueling the war between the two gladiators.

Japanese GP 1990: Senna's Revenge

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In 1990, Alain Prost was a driver Ferrari. However, he found his nemesis Ayrton Senna in Japan in a scenario similar to that of 1989: the two drivers had to decide between themselves for the world title and Suzuka once again became the arena of combat as the penultimate round of the championship. The Brazilian driver, on pole, was unhappy with his position on the grid and knew that Prost absolutely had to finish the race to hope to be champion. So, at the first corner, he deliberately hit the French driver's Ferrari, sending both cars into the gravel. Thanks to this controversial maneuver, the Brazilian won his second world championship title and took revenge on 1989, which he had perceived as an injustice.

Japanese GP 1998: The premiere of Mika Häkkinen

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Last round of the season: Mika Häkkinen and Michael Schumacher are tied for the title. As in 1990, it's a McLaren-Ferrari duel. The Red Baron, on pole, stalls on the grid and finds himself at the back of the pack. Despite an aggressive comeback, the German suffers a puncture, sealing his fate and dashing the Scuderia's title hopes. For his part, the imperturbable Mikka Häkkinen wins and becomes world champion for the first time in his career, giving McLaren a title that had eluded them since 1991.

Japanese GP 2000: Ferrari's drought ends

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After a five-year wait at Ferrari, Michael Schumacher was in contention to finally secure his first title in red. Once again facing McLaren driver Mika Häkkinen in the quest for the title, everything was decided once again in Japan, on a track that had given the Red Baron no favors in the previous two years (see above). During the race, a perfect pit stop allowed Michael Schumacher to take the lead. He won the race and became world champion for the third time in his career, the first time with Ferrari. This crown ended a 21-year drought for the Scuderia and marked the beginning of total domination of the discipline for the Kaiser, who would hold first place in the championship for five consecutive years: a record still unmatched in Formula 1.

Japanese GP 2005: The Flying Finn

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Only 17th on the grid after a qualifying session in the rain, Finland's Kimi Raikkonen set about delivering a remarkable performance during the race at the wheel of his McLaren-Mercedes MP4-20. “ Iceman » strings together spectacular overtaking moves, taking advantage of his opponents' offbeat strategies. In the last lap, he melts on the Renault Giancarlo Fisichella and overtook him on the outside at the first corner in a masterful maneuver. The future 2007 world champion achieved one of the greatest victories of his career and one of the greatest comebacks in the history of Formula 1.

Japanese GP 2014: An eternal punishment

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The 2014 Japanese Grand Prix, held in pouring rain, turned tragic when Marussia driver Jules Bianchi went off the track and hit a lifting machine being used to remove another driver. car A victim of the weather conditions. Seriously injured in the head, the French driver was rushed to hospital but died nine months later, on July 17, 2015, after a long coma. This tragedy would have a profound impact on F1, leading to the introduction of the halo and a strengthening of safety procedures in dangerous conditions. This remains the last death in Formula 1.

This list is not exhaustive, as Suzuka is an arena where Formula 1 history is written year after year in often very lively races. So, don't hesitate to tell us which edition of the Japanese GP left the biggest impression on you.

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