After missing out on the Formula 1 World Championship by just half a point to Niki Lauda in 1984, Alain Prost was desperate not to suffer the same heartache in 1985. Lauda was once again the Frenchman’s driving partner at McLaren but would pose much less of a threat during his final Grand Prix season.
After impressive performances during 1984 while driving for the small Toleman team, Ayrton Senna was signed by Lotus, joining Elio De Angelis. Tyrrell started the 1985 season still using normally aspirated Ford engines, although Renault turbo units would arrive later in the year.
1985 was another Formula 1 season dominated by fuel, with restrictions placed on the amount cars were allowed to carry and no refuelling allowed during races. Drivers had to find the right balance between outright speed and fuel economy. On many occasions they failed.
Prost Wins Brazilian Grand Prix
At the opening Grand Prix in Brazil Prost got his season off to an ideal start, winning from sixth place on the starting grid. Michele Alboreto, who qualified his Ferrari on pole, had to settle for second. The Italian driver would emerge as Prost’s main challenger for the World Championship. De Angelis finished third for Lotus, while René Arnoux was fourth in his final Grand Prix for Ferrari. After the race the Frenchman was abruptly fired, with no conclusive reason given. He was replaced by Stefan Johansson. The Swede had a contract with Toleman but the team was having trouble obtaining tyres from Pirelli.
Senna Scores Maiden Formula 1 Victory at Estoril
Ayrton Senna revelled in the monsoon conditions of the 1985 Portuguese Grand Prix. After starting from the first pole position of his career the Brazilian went on to record his first win. Alboreto was his nearest challenger, over a minute behind in second place. Patrick Tambay gave his Renault team something to celebrate with a third place finish.
San Marino Grand Prix Won by De Angelis
The fuel limitations imposed on teams played a major part in the outcome of the San Marino Grand Prix at Imola in 1985. Senna led, only to run dry. Johansson inherited first place but his Ferrari also stuttered to a halt. Prost crossed the line first, only to be disqualified for being underweight. The victory, therefore, went to De Angelis, giving the Italian driver the lead in the World Championship. Thierry Boutsen finished second in an Arrows-BMW, with Tambay again third. Nelson Piquet, Martin Brundle and Derek Warwick also ran out of fuel near the end.
1985 F1 season review continues here.
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