Formula 1 World Drivers' Championship (Alain Prost, 1985)

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 After eight years, Michelin had withdrawn from the sport, leaving Pirelli and Goodyear as tyre suppliers for 1985.

In Their Own Story

The rain lashed against the visor at the Nürburgring, turning the track into a treacherous river of oil and spray. Prost sat motionless in the cockpit of the silver-and-orange MP4/2, his breathing steady, a stark contrast to the chaos unfolding around him. He watched as rivals fought for position, engines screaming, tires smoking, knowing that their aggression was their undoing. A small smile touched his lips beneath the helmet. They were driving with fire; he was driving with ice. As Lauda retired from the race due to mechanical failure, the checkered flag effectively fell on another season he had managed rather than won outright, but secured by a margin of safety. Prost knew the championship was finally within reach.

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.

Did You Know?

• Alain Prost won his first of four championships in 1985.
• Michele Alboreto failed to score points in the last five races of the season.
• Niki Lauda retired after the 1985 season despite Ron Dennis's attempts to keep him.
• Stefan Bellof died in a World Sportscar Championship race at Spa.
• Michelin withdrew from Formula One after 1985, leaving Pirelli and Goodyear as tyre suppliers.