1984 Season

Niki Lauda secured the Drivers’ Championship, driving for McLaren, while McLaren also claimed the Constructors’ Championship in a season contested over 16 races. The 1984 season is notable for its exceptionally close title battle between Lauda and his teammate Alain Prost. Despite Prost achieving more race victories (seven wins to Lauda’s five), Lauda clinched the championship by the narrowest of margins—just half a point separated the two drivers at the end of the season, with Lauda finishing on 72 points and Prost on 71.5.

The points-gap progression throughout the season illustrates the intensity of the intra-team rivalry. Prost led the standings in the early rounds, but Lauda’s consistent podium finishes allowed him to gradually close the gap and eventually overtake Prost after round 12. The lead changed hands multiple times, with the championship ultimately decided at the final round.

McLaren’s dominance was evident, winning 12 of the 16 races and amassing 143.5 points in the Constructors’ standings—well ahead of Ferrari and Lotus. Other race winners included Nelson Piquet, Michele Alboreto, and Keke Rosberg, but no other team matched McLaren’s performance. The season featured a high rate of mechanical retirements, with engine and turbo failures being particularly common.

Within Formula 1 history, the 1984 season is recognized for its close championship fight and McLaren’s technical superiority during the turbocharged era. The half-point margin remains one of the smallest in championship history.