After trips to Canada and America the Formula 1 circus returned to Europe for the British Grand Prix at Brand Hatch. Nigel Mansell and Derek Warwick were the most likely candidates for a home win but, once again, it was McLaren at the head of the field.
Lauda Wins and Prost Retires at Brands Hatch
The challenging Brands Hatch circuit in Kent was the venue for the British Grand Prix in 1984. The race alternated between their and Silverstone. During qualifying Johnny Cecotto crashed his Toleman heavily, resulting in broken legs for the Venezuelan. Cecotto had arrived in Formula 1 after a successful motorcycle racing career. Although he would return to racing after his Brands accident it put an end to his Grand Prix career.
Niki Lauda gained useful points in the World Championship by taking victory at Brands. Even better for the Austrian, his team-mate Alain Prost retired from the race with gearbox problems. Warwick was the highest placed British driver, finishing second for Renault. Ayrton Senna’s reputation continued to grow with a drive to third place in the Toleman.
Prost Beats Lauda in German Grand Prix
Prost responded to his British Grand Prix disappointment by dominating the Hockenheim weekend. After taking pole the Frenchman set the fastest lap on his way to victory in the German Grand Prix. Lauda finished second, just over three seconds behind his team-mate, with Warwick again on the podium, in third.
Lauda Back on Top in Austrian Grand Prix
Tyrrell had been racing under appeal since their cars were found to be carrying illegal ballast in America, but in Austria both cars failed to qualify. This meant, for the first time ever, that every car on the starting grid was turbocharged.
Nelson Piquet started from pole but had to settle for second place in the race, behind Lauda. Michele Alboreto was third for Ferrari and it was also a good day for the Arrows-BMW team. Thierry Boutsen came home sixth, followed by team-mate Marc Surer.
Prost and Lauda 1-2 at Zandvoort
The McLaren drivers were in a class of their own during the 1984 Dutch Grand Prix. Prost led Lauda home by over ten seconds. Their nearest challenger was Nigel Mansell, the Englishman finishing third in his Lotus. Behind him in fourth was his team-mate Elio De Angelis.
As the 1984 Formula 1 World Championship neared its conclusion it remained too close to call. While Prost was undoubtedly the fastest McLaren driver Lauda was consistently scoring points.
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