Monaco Grand Prix 1988 - Race Schedule and Countdown

The 1988 Monaco Grand Prix became one of Formula 1's most infamous races, remembered for Ayrton Senna's devastating mistake while dominating with a huge lead. The Brazilian had built a 50-second advantage in wet conditions, lapping the entire field with a performance that was approaching perfection. However, on lap 67 of 78, while preparing to lap Prost's struggling McLaren, Senna inexplicably crashed into the barriers at Portier. He returned to his apartment and sat alone in a dark room, devastated by throwing away certain victory through a momentary lapse in concentration.

Alain Prost inherited victory after a tactical masterclass in race management, nursing his McLaren home despite electrical problems that limited his gearbox to just four ratios. The Frenchman's second place became first when Senna crashed, giving him a fortuitous but crucial championship boost. Ferrari secured an unexpected one-two finish with Gerhard Berger and Michele Alboreto following Prost home, capitalizing on McLaren's misfortune. Senna's Monaco crash became a defining moment in his career - a rare public display of the immense pressure he placed on himself to achieve perfection.