Alain Prost claimed his first of four Formula One World Championships in the 39th FIA Formula One season, with McLaren winning the Constructors' title for a second consecutive year.
Key Facts
- Season number
- 39th FIA Formula One season
- Races held
- 16
- Season dates
- 7 April – 3 November 1985
- Drivers' Champion
- Alain Prost (McLaren)
- Constructors' Champion
- McLaren (2nd consecutive title)
- Tyre suppliers
- Pirelli and Goodyear (Michelin withdrew)
By the Numbers
Cause → Event → Consequence
After finishing as runner-up in the two preceding seasons — each time winning more races than the eventual champion — Alain Prost entered 1985 as a strong title favourite. Michelin's withdrawal left Pirelli and Goodyear as the sole tyre suppliers, altering the competitive landscape for all constructors.
The 1985 FIA Formula One World Championship ran over sixteen races from 7 April to 3 November. Prost clinched the Drivers' title at the European Grand Prix, fending off Ferrari's Michele Alboreto, who failed to score points in the final five races. McLaren secured the Constructors' Championship for the second year running.
Prost's victory launched a dynasty; he would go on to win three more championships. Reigning champion Niki Lauda retired at season's end despite efforts by team boss Ron Dennis to retain him. The season was also marked by the fatal accident of Stefan Bellof at the 1000 km of Spa, casting a shadow over motorsport that year.