The 1988 McLaren season was McLaren's 23rd season as a constructor. It was one of McLaren's best seasons, winning 15 out of 16 races on the calendar. Ayrton Senna won his first Drivers' Championship for the team.
Race-by-race[]
Brazilian Grand Prix[]
Prost won, beating Berger and Senna was disqualified for changing cars. Piquet, the reigning World Champion, came home third in his first drive for Lotus, on the circuit now bearing his name.
San Marino Grand Prix[]
Senna had his first win of the year, leading home a McLaren 1-2.
Monaco Grand Prix[]
It all went wrong for Senna whilst leading in Monaco. After having dominated the race weekend from the beginning, the Brazilian crashed out of the race whilst looking set for a Grand Chelem, and that meant the race was won, for the 4th time in 5 years, by Prost.
Mexican Grand Prix[]
Prost won from Senna.
Canadian Grand Prix[]
Senna won from Prost.
Detroit Grand Prix[]
Senna won his second race in a row.
French Grand Prix[]
Prost won from pole in his home race, marking a fourth consecutive 1-2 finish for the British team.
British Grand Prix[]
In the race, Prost retired on lap 24 claiming handling problems of his McLaren. It marked only the second time this year that a McLaren retired, following Senna's shunt in Monaco. Here, Senna led home Nigel Mansell.
German Grand Prix[]
McLaren recorded yet another 1-2 with a Senna victory.
Hungarian Grand Prix[]
McLaren recorded their second consecutive 1-2 finish in as many races, and the third consecutive win by Senna.
Belgian Grand Prix[]
McLaren recorded their seventh 1-2 finish in eight races, and saw their fourth consecutive Senna victory.
Italian Grand Prix[]
McLaren's winning run came to an end when Prost retired and Senna collided with Jean-Louis Schlesser, allowing Gerhard Berger to win for Ferrari. It was the only time in 1988 that McLaren lost a race.
Portuguese Grand Prix[]
Despite the setback of losing in Italy, Prost won from pole position, but Senna could only finish sixth.
Spanish Grand Prix[]
Prost sealed his 34th career victory with a fastest lap record and Mansell gaining his 2nd second-place of the year from just two finishes.
Japanese Grand Prix[]
The team recorded their ninth 1-2 finish of the season, led by Senna. With victory in the race, Senna clinched the World Championship.
Australian Grand Prix[]
McLaren ended the year with their 10th 1-2 finish of the season.