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Barely to month before the start of the 1993 season was due to get underway, McLaren announced a line-up that not include Ayrton Senna, leaving F1 at risk of enduring a campaign without the iconic driver.
On February 10, 1993, 32 years ago, McLaren shocked the F1 world by not including Ayrton Senna in their driver lineup, instead opting for Mika Hakkinen and Michael Andretti. Senna, unhappy with the team’s direction, had no choice but to explore other options for the upcoming season. However, through hardball tactics employed by McLaren boss Ron Dennis, Senna was eventually back in the driver’s seat. Following the departure of McLaren’s engine partner Honda, Senna had to make do without factory engines, which he believed were crucial in winning championships. Senna even reached out to rival team Williams, offering to drive for them for free, but Alain Prost’s clause prevented the move. In the end, McLaren and Senna struck a deal that involved a significant financial arrangement, leading to Senna racing with Ford engines in the 1993 season.
