Australian Grand Prix 1993 - Race Schedule and Countdown

Ayrton Senna ended the 1993 season with a fitting victory at the Australian Grand Prix in Adelaide, his fifth win of the year demonstrating that he remained Formula 1's most complete driver despite racing with inferior machinery throughout the championship. The Brazilian controlled the race from pole position around the street circuit, holding off a determined Alain Prost who finished second in his final Grand Prix before retirement. Damon Hill completed the podium in third place for Williams, capping off an impressive rookie season that had seen him claim three victories and establish himself as Prost's natural successor at the team.

The 79-lap race through Adelaide's parkland streets provided a dramatic finale to the season, with Senna managing the challenging street circuit perfectly while Prost battled to stay within striking distance. The race took on added emotional weight as the paddock bid farewell to Prost, with the four-time World Champion receiving tributes from competitors and fans alike as he concluded a magnificent 13-year career. Hill's strong drive to third place confirmed his emergence as a genuine championship contender for 1994, particularly with Senna expected to join Williams as Prost's replacement.

Senna's victory was his 41st career win and fifth of the season, achieved with a McLaren-Ford that was clearly the third or fourth fastest car on the grid. His performances throughout 1993 - including the legendary drive at Donington Park and victories at Monaco, Brazil, Suzuka and Adelaide - elevated his reputation to almost mythical status, with many considering it his greatest season despite finishing only third in the championship. The emotional podium ceremony saw Senna and Prost embrace, their rivalry finally giving way to mutual respect as they acknowledged each other's greatness one final time. The season ended with Formula 1 poised for a new era - Prost retiring, Senna moving to Williams, and young talents like Schumacher and Hill ready to shape the sport's future.