Several well known drivers found themselves in new teams for the 1986 Formula 1 season. Nelson Piquet, unhappy with Brabham’s reliability and seeking a larger pay packet, moved to Williams. He joined Nigel Mansell, but the two failed to hit it off. Piquet expected to be undisputed number one for 1986, but Mansell had other ideas.
Meanwhile, a disillusioned Elio De Angelis left Lotus and joined Brabham. The team had a spectacular looking new car, the Gordon Murray designed BT55. It sat 30 centimetres lower than the 1985 Brabham. Looks proved to be deceptive as the car turned out to be a comprehensive failure.
At McLaren defending World Champion Alain Prost had a new team mate, in the shape of Keke Rosberg. 1986 would be the Finn’s final season in Formula 1. Although Williams seemed to have the best car, Mansell and Piquet took valuable points off each other during the season, allowing Prost to stay in title contention.
Ayrton Senna remained at Lotus but had a new team mate. The Brazilian had established himself so strongly in the team during 1985 that he effectively forced De Angelis, who’d driven six seasons with Lotus, to leave. Derek Warwick was tipped to replace the Italian but Senna, sensing a threat from the quick Englishman, blocked the move. Instead, it was Scotsman Johnny Dumfries who landed the drive, stepping into Formula 1 straight from Formula 3.
Before the 1986 Formula 1 season started the Williams team suffered a serious setback. Team owner Frank Williams crashed a road car while driving back from a test at Paul Ricard in France. Although he survived his injuries left him permanently paralysed from the waist down. They also meant he was out of action for most of 1986, while the relationship between his two drivers progressively deteriorated.
Piquet’s Morale Boosting Win in Brazilian Grand Prix
The Brazilian drivers proved to be the class of the field at their home Grand Prix. Senna claimed pole, but could not resist his countryman Piquet in the race. The Williams driver won, with Senna over 30 seconds behind in second. Jacques Laffite, driving a Ligier, completed the podium. Once again Senna’s aggressive driving annoyed one of his rivals, this time Mansell. The Englishman felt the Brazilian had tried to push him off the track.
Senna Pips Mansell in Spanish Grand Prix
The 1986 Spanish Grand Prix at Jerez produced one of the closest finishes in Formula 1 history. Senna claimed pole and led the race, while Williams team-mates Mansell and Piquet battled for second. Piquet eventually retired, allowing Mansell to focus on catching the leading Lotus. He very nearly did, crossing the line just one hundredth of a second behind. Prost notched up his first podium of the season with a third place finish.
1986 Formula 1 season review continues.
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