STORY OF THE DAY: Senna completes a perfect opening sequence

Ayrton Senna won the Monaco Grand Prix on 12 May 1991 in the number 1 McLaren MP4/6. It was his fourth victory from the first four rounds of the World Championship and his fourth success at Monaco, consolidating an early points advantage over Williams driver Nigel Mansell.

Senna controlled the race from pole position on a circuit where concentration and track position were paramount. The contest included interruptions and mechanical attrition behind him, but he avoided the barriers and maintained command through Monaco’s narrow streets. His victory extended an extraordinary opening run before Williams became increasingly competitive later in the season.

The MP4/6 combined a carbon-fibre monocoque with Honda’s naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V12. Designed under Neil Oatley’s technical leadership, it was powerful but heavier and more demanding than its V10-engined predecessor. Continuous development was required as the aerodynamically advanced Williams-Renault emerged as its principal rival.

Senna was a Brazilian whose precision in qualifying and commitment on street circuits made Monaco a natural stage for his abilities. He won there six times, more than any other driver. The 1991 result contributed directly to his third World Championship and demonstrated his capacity to exploit every advantage while McLaren still held the initiative.