The Minardi M189 made its first appearance partway through the 1989 Formula One season at the Mexican Grand Prix, where it was driven by Pierluigi Martini and Luis Perez-Sala, both of whom had driven for the team the previous year. Martini qualified in 22nd but retired from the race with engine problems. Sala failed to qualify for the race, and this proved to be an ongoing problem for the Spaniard. He failed to qualify for three more races.