French Grand Prix 1986 - Race Schedule and Countdown

Nigel Mansell returned to winning ways at Paul Ricard, dominating the French Grand Prix with a commanding performance that reasserted his championship credentials after the Detroit disappointment. The British driver controlled the race from pole position, showcasing the Williams FW11's superiority on the fast, flowing Ricard circuit. Mansell's third victory of the season extended his championship lead and demonstrated his ability to convert pole positions into wins when mechanical reliability cooperated.

Prost finished second for McLaren, continuing his remarkable consistency and keeping himself within striking distance of the championship leaders. Piquet completed the podium in third, falling further behind his teammate in their internal battle and raising questions about Williams's strategy of fielding two number-one drivers. The Williams one-three finish highlighted their technical dominance while exposing the point-splitting that would ultimately cost them the drivers' championship. With the season approaching its climax, Mansell held a commanding lead but fragility and internal competition threatened to derail his title challenge.