The Brazilian Grand Prix’s last visit to Jacarepagua in Rio was in 1989, and it was a torrid farewell. Against all odds, Nigel Mansell surprised everyone, including himself, taking the chequered flag on his race debut for the Scuderia Ferrari. As history has it, our Nigel was the last ‘chosen’ one. Before he passed through the gates of Maranello in the winter of 1988, following a disappointing season with Williams, Mansell was the very last driver to be personally selected by Enzo Ferrari to race the great man’s scarlet red cars.
The year had been ruled by McLaren in a staggering display of supremacy, with Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost winning all but one race, and the former clinching his maiden world title. Needless to say, the red and white squad was the outstanding favourite when Formula 1 returned to business in Brazil in March of 1989.
There was however an air of excitement when the paddock filled up at Jacarepagua thanks to some drastic rule changes which ushered in a new era for Formula 1.
Mansell triumphed on his debut for Ferrari, much to the delight of the tifosi in Italy who appropriately branded their new ruling favourite ‘Il Leone’, the lion, for the British driver’s fearless style. Brazil ’89 was also the very first win for a semi-automatic transmission, a technical feat which would soon become the norm in Formula 1.
As Mansell descended from the Brazilian GP podium, he extended his hands to waiting reporters, showing effusions of blood streaming from his palms. “Hard race Nige..?” he was asked. “No, I cut my hands on the bloody trophy!”
Video: 1989 Brazilian Grand Prix:
— see video above —
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