The 1989 United States Grand Prix, held on June 4th, marked a significant chapter in Formula 1 history as the inaugural race on the streets of Phoenix, Arizona. This event, the fifth round of the 1989 World Championship, was characterized by intense heat, a challenging circuit, and remarkable performances that left an indelible mark on the sport.
Introduction to the Phoenix Grand Prix
Phoenix’s entry into the Formula 1 calendar introduced a new street circuit that tested drivers’ skills and endurance. The 3.8 km track featured 13 right-angle turns, demanding precision and concentration, especially under the scorching sun of the Sonoran Desert. The race was officially named the XXVI Iceberg United States Grand Prix.
Qualifying: Senna’s Record-Breaking Pole Position
Ayrton Senna showcased his exceptional qualifying prowess by securing pole position with a time of 1:30.108, a staggering 1.409 seconds ahead of his McLaren-Honda teammate, Alain Prost. This achievement marked Senna’s 34th career pole, surpassing Jim Clark’s longstanding record. Senna humbly acknowledged Clark’s legacy, stating, “I didn’t follow Clark’s races, but his results and records show how good he was.”
The top ten qualifiers were:
- Ayrton Senna (McLaren-Honda) – 1:30.108
- Alain Prost (McLaren-Honda) – 1:31.517
- Alessandro Nannini (Benetton-Ford) – 1:31.799
- Nigel Mansell (Ferrari) – 1:31.927
- Martin Brundle (Brabham-Judd) – 1:31.960
- Alex Caffi (Dallara-Ford) – 1:32.160
- Stefano Modena (Brabham-Judd) – 1:32.286
- Gerhard Berger (Ferrari) – 1:32.364
- Michele Alboreto (Tyrrell-Ford) – 1:32.491
- Derek Warwick (Arrows-Ford) – 1:32.492
Race Highlights
The race commenced with Prost overtaking Senna at the start, but Senna quickly regained the lead by the first corner. The Brazilian maintained a strong pace, building an eight-second advantage over Prost. However, on lap 36, Senna encountered electrical issues, signaling Prost to pass before retiring six laps later.
Nigel Mansell, who had been running in third, retired on lap 31 due to alternator failure, a fate that also befell his Ferrari teammate, Gerhard Berger, on lap 61. These retirements allowed drivers like Riccardo Patrese and Eddie Cheever to move up the order. Cheever, a Phoenix native, delighted the home crowd by finishing third, securing his final career podium.
The race was also notable for the physical demands it placed on drivers. Alessandro Nannini retired after ten laps due to exhaustion, a consequence of a crash during the warm-up that left him with injuries. Additionally, the intense heat led teams to modify their cars for better ventilation, with some even removing bodywork to improve airflow.
Final Standings
Alain Prost managed his race expertly, taking the victory after 75 laps with a time of 2:01:33.133. The top six finishers were:
- Alain Prost (McLaren-Honda) – 75 laps
- Riccardo Patrese (Williams-Renault) – +39.696s
- Eddie Cheever (Arrows-Ford) – +43.210s
- Christian Danner (Rial-Ford) – +1 lap
- Johnny Herbert (Benetton-Ford) – +1 lap
- Thierry Boutsen (Williams-Renault) – +1 lap
Drivers’ Championship Standings Post-Race
Following the United States Grand Prix, the Drivers’ Championship standings were:
- Alain Prost – 29 points
- Ayrton Senna – 27 points
- Riccardo Patrese – 12 points
- Nigel Mansell – 9 points
- Alessandro Nannini – 8 points
Conclusion and Curiosities
The 1989 United States Grand Prix in Phoenix was a race of attrition, with only 11 of the 26 starters reaching the finish line. It highlighted the challenges of introducing a new circuit and the extreme conditions that can influence race outcomes. Prost’s victory was his first of the season, contributing significantly to his momentum in the championship battle. The event also marked the 200th Grand Prix start for the Williams team, a milestone celebrated with Patrese’s second-place finish.