Dutch Grand Prix 1984 - Race Schedule and Countdown

Alain Prost kept his championship hopes alive with a crucial victory at Zandvoort's coastal Dutch circuit, leading home Niki Lauda in yet another McLaren one-two finish. The Frenchman's win narrowed Lauda's championship lead heading into the final three races, setting up a tense finale to the closest title battle in Formula 1 history. Nigel Mansell delivered an impressive third place for Lotus, showcasing the British driver's growing confidence and speed in his second full season.

The Dutch Grand Prix demonstrated Prost's unwillingness to concede the championship without a fight, as his victory put pressure back on Lauda to respond. Zandvoort's challenging seaside circuit through the sand dunes rewarded drivers who could maintain commitment through high-speed corners while managing tire degradation from the abrasive surface. McLaren's continued dominance ensured both championship contenders would score heavily, meaning the title would be decided by minimal margins and potentially by whoever could avoid the mechanical issues that had affected both drivers throughout the season.