Michael Schumacher and Ayrton Senna were arguably two of the greatest drivers in F1 during the 1990s, with them winning four titles between them across the 10 years.
Williams signed Nigel Mansell and Alain Prost during the 90s, which brought them success across the 1992 and 1993 seasons respectively, however Mansell would go on to leave the team at the end of 92 after a disagreement over pay.
The Briton would go on to race in IndyCar for a year before making a return to F1 with Williams for four races, following the death of Ayrton Senna, before the team opted to hire David Coulthard instead for the 1995 season.
Mansell was at the peak of his career when he left Williams in 1992 and the on-off appearances with the team in 1994 and later with McLaren in 1995 did not do him justice as the cars changed dramatically to improve safety.
Discussing whether it was a mistake to let Mansell go at the end of 1992 on the Autosport podcast, Frank Williams’ son, Jonathan Williams, believes he would have dominated the competition at the time.
Jonathan Williams thinks Nigel Mansell would have dominated F1 in 1993
In opting for Prost for the 1993 season, the Frenchman still produced one of the all-time great years with Williams.
After winning seven races out of a possible 16, he took his fourth and final title before retiring at the end of the season. Williams believes it would have panned out slightly differently if Mansell had stayed on board.
“With all due respect to Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher and all those who took the wins from us in 1993, I really believe if you had Nigel Mansell in an FW15 in 1993 out of a 16-race season, race wins, I believe that Nigel with how in sync he was and brilliantly compatible with that car,” said Williams.
“I don’t think Prost was quite on that level after his sabbatical and Damon was in his rookie season, I think Nigel in an FW15C in 1993 – that’s him winning 12 or 13 races that season.”
Why did Alain Prost retire in F1 after the 1993?
After negotiations with Mansell fell through for the 1993 season, Williams initially wanted to get Ayrton Senna in the car.
Prost had already negotiated his contract and sealed a deal for 1993, which also contained a clause that stated Senna could not be in the same team.
This was later rescinded for the 1994 season after pressure from engine supplier Renault came to sign Senna, while Prost was forced to retire as part of the deal.
READ MORE: All to know about Williams Racing from team principal to Mercedes ties
Much of what made the FW15C technologically dominant at the time, including anti-lock brakes, traction control, active suspension, was later banned by the FIA.
Senna’s car was nowhere near the same level of competitiveness, with Benetton ending up taking a controversial title victory with Michael Schumacher.
Leave feedback about this