Monaco Grand Prix 1984 - Race Schedule and Countdown

The 1984 Monaco Grand Prix became one of Formula 1's most legendary races, remembered for Ayrton Senna's breathtaking performance in torrential rain and the controversial decision to stop the race early. Starting 13th in his underpowered Toleman-Hart, the Brazilian rookie delivered a virtuoso wet-weather drive that announced his genius to the world. Senna carved through the field with mesmerizing pace, catching race leader Alain Prost by seven seconds per lap in conditions where visibility was near-zero. When race director Jacky Ickx controversially stopped the race on lap 32 - just as Senna closed to within seconds of Prost - the Brazilian was classified second, earning his first podium finish.

The premature stoppage triggered immediate controversy. Many observers felt Ickx, a factory Porsche sports car driver, had intervened to protect McLaren-TAG's Prost from the rampaging Senna. The decision to award only half-points - giving Prost 4.5 instead of 9 points for the win - would prove critical to the championship outcome, as those lost 4.5 points would ultimately cost Prost the title by just half a point. For Senna, the race established his reputation as Formula 1's fastest driver in wet conditions, a mastery that would define his career. His performance in the underfunded Toleman left the paddock stunned and convinced teams with championship resources that he was a future World Champion.