1985 South African Grand Prix

Previous race

At Brands Hatch, Nigel Mansell won his first Formula One Grand Prix in his 72nd race start, leading from well before half-distance. Senna was second from pole, Rosberg third. Prost finished fourth and clinched his first Drivers’ Championship, helped by Alboreto’s retirement with a turbo failure.

Between-race developments

The South African Grand Prix has been at the centre of controversy throughout the season. South Africa’s government declared a state of emergency in July due to civil unrest, and Renault and Ligier are boycotting this race under pressure from the French government, which is sanctioning South Africa over apartheid. Most drivers — including Prost, Lauda, and Mansell — are personally opposed to racing here but intend to honour their contracts.

Brazil’s sanctions on South Africa have placed Nelson Piquet and Ayrton Senna in a difficult position with their national authorities. Sweden’s National Automobile Federation announced Stefan Johansson should not race; he intends to race regardless. Senna initially said he would race if Lotus raced, but has since said he will boycott.

Multiple sponsors have ordered teams to remove their branding, most notably Marlboro and Beatrice Foods. Beatrice hold an equity interest in the Haas Lola team; Alan Jones qualified the car but is listed as absent due to illness.

With only 20 cars on the grid after the Ligier and Renault withdrawals, this race is held on a Saturday — an unusual arrangement for a World Championship Grand Prix.