The gifted Brazilian, who moved from McLaren to Williams during the winter, is universally recognized as the best driver, with arguably the best engine and car.
Now that Frenchman Alain Prost has retired and Nigel Mansell left Formula One two years ago for the IndyCar circuit, Senna should be able to drive away with another championship.
But Formula One's new package of radical regulations should make it tougher for Senna to excel.
"It is not a surprise to me that other teams are so much closer to us now," said Senna after spinning off 15 laps from the end on Sunday while running second. Senna's crash allowed Schumacher to finish a lap clear of second-placed Briton Damon Hill, who, like Senna, drives for Williams.
"I think it will be a very close fight every time we race from now on.
"We have a reliable car and so do Benetton. In terms of speed I think we are very close. They are very competitive."
The Benetton team's heavy program of pre-season testing and slick work at the two scheduled fuel-and-tire stops helped Schumacher win, the first since the banning of high technology driver aids.
Most observers felt the new regulations helped to create a more exciting, competitive if unpredictable show with several teams and drivers, who in previous years have been among the also-rans, enjoying a chance to shine.
These included Ferrari, for whom Jean Alesi finished third behind Hill, the Italian team clearly enjoying the advantage refuelling gave them with their thirsty and heavier V12 engines.
Rubens Barrichello, in a Jordan, was fourth on his home circuit -- the best result of his career.
His team's delight was equaled by that in the Tyrrell garage where Japan's Ukyo Katayama celebrated scoring his first world championship points in fifth place.
But it was not all joy for Jordan. Their other driver Eddie Irvine was banned from the next F1 race, the pacific Grand Prix on April 17, and fined $10,000 after the stewards had blamed him for a spectacular four-car collision.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.