WATCH: OTD - Ayrton Senna beats charging Alain Prost in an iconic duel at Hungarian Grand Prix 1988

On this day in 1988, Ayrton Senna delivered one of the most remarkable performances in Formula 1 history by clinching victory at the Hungarian Grand Prix. This race at the tortuous Hungaroring circuit would become an iconic moment in Senna's illustrious career, marking a significant chapter in his rivalry with teammate Alain Prost.

The Hungarian Grand Prix 1988 was a tense, strategic, and masterful driving race. Senna, who had already proven himself as a dominant force throughout the season, secured pole position during a nail-biting qualifying session. On the other hand, Prost faced a challenging qualifying round and found himself starting from the fourth row, seventh on the grid.

The Hungaroring, known for its tight and twisty nature, was a circuit that demanded precision and skill. Senna, driving the Honda Marlboro McLaren MP4/4, was well aware that maintaining the lead from the start was crucial.

As the lights went out, Senna got off to a flying start, winning a drag race with Nigel Mansell to take the early lead. Prost, starting further back, began a determined climb up the order, eventually finding himself in third place after overtaking Thierry Boutsen on lap 48.

Senna equalled the championship table!

As the race progressed, the battle between Ayrton Senna and Alian Prost intensified. On lap 49, Prost saw an opportunity to overtake Senna, who was momentarily held up by backmarkers Gabriele Tarquini and Philippe Alliot. 

Prost made his move, diving inside Senna as they approached the first turn. For a brief moment, it seemed Prost would seize the lead, but Senna's quick reflexes and strategic positioning allowed him to reclaim the top spot almost instantly.

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Prost’s attempt to take the lead ultimately proved costly. His aggressive manoeuvre dirtied his left front tyre, causing a severe vibration that forced him to back off and allow the tyre to clean. By the time he was able to challenge Senna again, the Brazilian had managed to maintain a narrow lead, crossing the finish line just 0.529 seconds ahead of Prost.

Senna's victory at the Hungaroring was his sixth of the 1988 season and McLaren’s tenth. It also marked the seventh 1-2 finish for the team that year, underscoring the dominance of McLaren in that era. Prost, despite his impressive drive, was left to ponder what might have been, as Senna drew level with him in the World Championship standings, both now with 66 points.