They knew

As soon as they tried the McLaren MP4/4-Honda early 1988, a car designed by American Steve Nichols (chief designer) and South-African Gordon Murray (technical director), Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna knew they had a fantastic car at their disposal.

The two best drivers of the field, and arguably the two best drivers in the history of the sport, knew the 1988 Formula 1 World Title would be fought between them. And an epic battle it became! Ultimately, the crown went to the Brazilian, but one should know that Prost scored more points than Senna.

At that time, only the best 11 results counted toward the championship. Prost scored 105 points during the year, but only 87 points were accountable. Senna on the other side, scored 94 points, with 90 points counting in the championship standings. Thus, Senna became 1988 World Champion, although he was not the one who scored the most points over the course of the year. But a worthy champion he was, no question about that.