1986 Brazilian Grand Prix

Entrants

The opening round of the season brings several significant changes to the grid. Nelson Piquet arrives at Williams after seven seasons at Brabham, forming a formidable line-up alongside Nigel Mansell. Williams begin the season without their team principal, Frank Williams, who was left paralysed in a road accident in France during the pre-season; Patrick Head is running the team in all departments. Keke Rosberg joins McLaren from Williams, replacing the retired Niki Lauda alongside Alain Prost.

Elio de Angelis joins Brabham after several seasons at Lotus. His departure freed the second Lotus seat, which was originally offered to Derek Warwick — but Senna made his preference known and Warwick was passed over. Johnny Dumfries, British F3 champion and European F3 runner-up in 1984, takes the seat alongside Senna.

The Toleman team has been renamed Benetton Formula following its purchase by the Benetton Group. Gerhard Berger and Teo Fabi drive the Benetton B186-BMW in the team’s first race under the new name.

Haas Lola start the season with Alan Jones driving a car fitted with a Hart turbo four-cylinder engine, while the team awaits delivery of their intended Ford-Cosworth V6, which was not ready in time for the opening race.