Italian Grand Prix 1984 - Race Schedule and Countdown

Niki Lauda responded to Prost's Zandvoort victory with a commanding performance at Monza, reclaiming championship momentum on Ferrari's home circuit. The Austrian controlled the Italian Grand Prix from the front, demonstrating his tactical maturity while teammate Prost retired with turbo failure - a mechanical problem that would prove costly in the final championship reckoning. Michele Alboreto gave Ferrari and their passionate Tifosi some consolation with second place, while Riccardo Patrese surprised with third for Alfa Romeo.

The Italian Grand Prix was a pivotal moment in the championship battle, as Lauda's victory and Prost's retirement extended the Austrian's points lead with just two races remaining. Racing in the red cars' home temple made Lauda's victory even sweeter for the former Ferrari champion, though the Tifosi supported local hero Alboreto. With Portugal and Europe remaining, Lauda needed only to finish ahead of Prost in one of the final races to virtually guarantee his third World Championship, while Prost faced the prospect of needing victories and hoping for Lauda retirements.