Italian Grand Prix 1985 - Race Schedule and Countdown
Italian Grand Prix
Monza • Italy
Sep 8, 1985 2:00 PM
Race Results
Race Summary
Alain Prost clinched his maiden World Championship with victory at Monza, becoming France's first Formula 1 World Champion in a moment that would define his legendary career. The Frenchman drove a clinical race at the Temple of Speed, managing his McLaren's fuel load while fending off challenges from Nelson Piquet's Brabham. Prost's fifth victory of the season gave him an unassailable championship lead with three races remaining, crowning a campaign defined by consistency and tactical brilliance.
Piquet finished second for Brabham, demonstrating the team's continued competitiveness despite resource constraints. Senna completed the podium for Lotus, capping a breakthrough season that had seen him claim two victories and establish himself as a future champion. The Tifosi's disappointment at Ferrari's failure to challenge was tempered by respect for Prost's masterful campaign. The championship represented vindication after Prost's half-point defeat to Lauda in 1984, proving he could seal titles when opportunity presented itself and establishing him as the benchmark driver of his generation.