WATCH: OTD - Alain Prost wins his maiden Formula 1 championship in 1985

On this day in 1985, Alain Prost etched his name in the history books by winning his maiden Formula 1 World Championship and becoming the first-ever French driver to claim the prestigious title. Prost’s triumph, driving for McLaren-TAG, marked the end of years of near-misses, as he finally realized his dream of being crowned the sport’s top driver.

The 1985 season was a culmination of perseverance for Prost, who had come agonizingly close in previous years. He finished as a runner-up twice, despite often winning more races than the eventual champions. In 1984, he was edged out by Niki Lauda by a mere half-point, which only fueled Prost’s determination to succeed.

Here is the video:

Barrie Gill interviews the new World Champion, Alain Prost.

European Grand Prix, Brands Hatch, 6 October 1985.

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His tenacity paid off at the European Grand Prix, where he secured the championship, finishing the season with a 20-point lead over Ferrari’s Michele Alboreto, his closest rival. Driving with precision and skill, Prost displayed consistency throughout the season, overcoming challenges and securing vital points in crucial races.

McLaren wins the constructors’ championship!

Alain Prost’s performance not only earned him the Drivers' Championship but also helped McLaren secure the Constructors' Championship. However, this was no easy feat, as the competition with Alboreto’s Ferrari was intense, with McLaren winning the Constructors' title by a narrow margin.

Prost’s helmet design that year was iconic, featuring a striking blue detail around the front and a white ring with red lines around the top, which became synonymous with his racing identity. His victory not only brought joy to the French motorsport community but also paved the way for his illustrious career that would see him win multiple world titles. The 1985 season will forever be remembered as the year Alain Prost broke the barrier, bringing home the championship and solidifying his place as one of the greatest drivers in Formula 1 history.