Formula 1 World Drivers' Championship (Alain Prost, 1985)
Alain Prost clinches his first title as McLaren wins the Constructors' Championship for the second year running.
The 1985 FIA Formula One World Championship was the 39th season of FIA Formula One motor racing. It featured the 1985 Formula One World Championship for Drivers and the 1985 Formula One World Championship for Manufacturers, both of which commenced on 7 April and ended on 3 November after fifteen races, as the Belgian Grand Prix was cancelled.
Quick Facts
- Driver
- Alain Prost
- Team
- McLaren
- Car model
- MP4/2B
- Championship position
- 1st
- Total wins in season
- 5
- Podium finishes
- 8
- Key rival
- Niki Lauda
Lore & Background
The Drivers' Championship was won by Alain Prost. After finishing two years as runner-up, both times winning more races than the champion, he was able to clinch the title this year sealing his success at the European Grand Prix. It would be first of four championships for 'the Professor'. Michele Alboreto was his main challenger, but he failed to score points in all of the last five races of the season. The Constructors' Championship was won by McLaren for the second consecutive year. Reigning champion Niki Lauda retired after this season, although team boss Ron Dennis tried to convince him otherwise. The season was overshadowed by the fatal accident of Stefan Bellof, driving a Porsche 956B during the 1000 km of Spa World Sportscar Championship race. After eight years, Michelin had withdrawn from the sport, leaving Pirelli and Goodyear as tyre suppliers for 1985.
Reader's Guide
McLaren used TAG-Porsche engines in 1985. Niki Lauda was Prost's teammate in 1985 and retired at the end of the season. The title fight was not decided by a two-point margin over Lauda; Prost scored 73 points, Lauda scored 14 points in 1985.
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