1984 season in Formula 1: Three for luck!

1984 season in Formula 1: Three for luck!

The high expectations for Brabham-BMW against the background of the great achievements of the past 1983. they are not justified. The team fails to be competitive and the teams left in the background stand out again. The British McLaren took advantage of the situation in a wonderful way and, after attracting Alain Prost from Renault, is ready to attack the world title for drivers and constructors.

Left one step away from the most valuable trophy, Prost breathes freshness into McLaren and the season for the Britons has started convincingly. The Frenchman topped everyone in 7 of the 16 starts on the Formula 1 calendar in the 1984 season. This year, however, his path to the title goes through a contested battle, this time against team-mate Niki Lauda. The two-time world champion is looking for his rehabilitation after 7 years since his last triumph. The Austrian has won 5 of the races, including the last two, and with a lead of half a point, leaves behind Alain Prost. Thus Lauda won the third and last world title of his career. The narrow margin by which he did so is still the smallest between the top two in the standings in the history of the motoring championship. Alain Prost is second and third is Elio de Angelis with Lotus-Renault.

With two pilots in the top three, McLaren easily won the constructors' world title. Ferrari is second and Lotus-Renault remains third.

Against the background of the outstanding battle for the world title, drivers and constructors also faced a new challenge during the 1984 season. Requirements are introduced for the fuel consumed within one start. Each car is required to use no more than 220 liters per race.