40 Years Since Alain Prost's Dominant Austrian Grand Prix Victory

Today marks 40 years since Alain Prost's incredible victory on his way to securing his second Formula 1 World Championship title.

On August 17, 1986, Prost dominated the Austrian Grand Prix behind the wheel of his McLaren-TAG MP4/2C, lapping second-place Michele Alboreto in the Ferrari. Third-place Stefan Johansson, driving the other Ferrari, finished two laps behind "The Professor."

Back then, today's Red Bull Ring was known as the Österreichring and featured a similar layout, with the main difference being that the current Turn 1 was an S-shaped chicane.

Prost completed 52 laps, securing his second consecutive victory in Austria and his third win at the circuit overall, following his initial success there in 1983 with Renault. His main title rivals – Nigel Mansell, Nelson Piquet, and Ayrton Senna – all failed to finish the race.

The 1986 Austrian Grand Prix was the 12th race of the season and marked only Prost's third victory of the campaign. He ultimately clinched the championship title in Adelaide after favorite Nigel Mansell, driving for Williams, suffered a tire puncture.