1984 F1 Season

The 1984 Formula One World Championship was a season of intense rivalry and technological innovation, marking the 38th season of FIA Formula One motor racing. The championship, which ran from 5 March to 21 October, featured a dramatic battle between McLaren teammates Niki Lauda and Alain Prost. Lauda won his third and final Drivers’ Championship by the narrowest margin in Formula One history, just half a point ahead of Prost. Despite winning fewer races than Prost, Lauda’s consistency throughout the season was key to his championship victory. McLaren dominated the Constructors’ Championship, marking their first title since 1974 and showcasing the superiority of their car and the TAG-Porsche turbo engine.

The 1984 season was notable for the introduction of new fuel economy rules, which limited turbocharged engines to 220 liters of fuel per race and banned refueling. This change significantly impacted race strategies and car designs. McLaren’s success was attributed to the efficient TAG-Porsche engine and the aerodynamic design of the MP4/2, which compensated for its lower power output with better fuel economy and high-speed stability. Nelson Piquet, driving for Brabham, often had the fastest car on the track but was plagued by reliability issues early in the season, preventing him from consistently challenging for the championship. The season also saw the emergence of new talents, including Ayrton Senna, who made his debut with Toleman and quickly made a mark with his exceptional driving skills.