United States Grand Prix 1990 - Race Schedule and Countdown

The 1990 season opened on the Phoenix street circuit with Ayrton Senna delivering a commanding victory for McLaren-Honda, sending an immediate message to his rivals that he intended to defend his World Championship with authority. Starting from pole position, Senna controlled the race from the front despite suffering gearbox problems in the closing stages that forced him to nurse the car home. The Brazilian's win was all the more impressive given the challenging nature of the bumpy street circuit and the intense Arizona heat.

The race marked the stunning Formula 1 debut of Jean Alesi, the 25-year-old Frenchman who had dominated Formula 3000 the previous year. Driving for the Tyrrell team, Alesi qualified a remarkable fourth and ran as high as second during the race, harrying Senna throughout before finishing in a sensational second place. His fearless driving and apparent lack of respect for the established order immediately established him as one of the sport's most exciting new talents. The paddock buzzed with talk of Alesi's performance, with many comparing his aggressive style to a young Ayrton Senna.

Thierry Boutsen completed the podium for Williams in third place, while Alain Prost could only manage fifth for Ferrari after starting from the second row. The race highlighted the emerging competitive landscape of the 1990 season, with McLaren appearing to maintain their technical edge over Ferrari despite Prost's move to the Scuderia. Nelson Piquet retired with engine failure, while Nigel Mansell's Ferrari suffered gearbox problems. The season had begun with Senna in control, but the Phoenix result suggested that both Ferrari and Williams would provide significant challenges as the championship unfolded across the coming months.