Dutch Grand Prix 1985 - Race Schedule and Countdown

Niki Lauda claimed what would prove to be the final victory of his illustrious career at Zandvoort, leading home teammate Alain Prost for a McLaren one-two finish in the Dutch seaside circuit's final Formula 1 race. The three-time World Champion demonstrated the racecraft and tactical intelligence that had defined his career, managing the challenging coastal conditions and securing victory despite struggling with motivation in what he knew would be his final season. The victory provided a fitting tribute to one of Formula 1's greatest champions.

Prost finished second to extend his championship lead, accepting team orders or tactical positioning that allowed his veteran teammate one final moment of glory. The McLaren one-two finish demonstrated the team's continued dominance and highlighted their superior reliability compared to Ferrari's faster but fragile machinery. Senna completed the podium for Lotus, continuing his consistent point-scoring that marked him as a future champion. The race served as a poignant farewell to both Lauda as a race winner and to Zandvoort as a Grand Prix venue, with the circuit's narrow layout and limited facilities no longer meeting Formula 1's evolving standards.