The 1980s were a pivotal decade for Formula 1, marked by technological advancements and the rise of superstar drivers. As an expert commentator, I reflect on the top 10 drivers of this era, considering factors like success, machinery, and longevity. The decade's leading runners became household names, and their performances pushed the boundaries of what was possible on the track.
1. Alain Prost: The Master of the Decade
In my opinion, Alain Prost was the undisputed best F1 driver of the 1980s. With 39 wins and three titles, he dominated the decade, snatching the 1986 crown from under the noses of Mansell and Piquet. His speed, calculation, and consistency made him a force to be reckoned with. Prost's ability to keep himself in contention, even in faster Williams-Hondas, is a testament to his skill. What many people don't realize is that Prost could have won more titles if not for some bad luck and the unreliability of his cars.
2. Ayrton Senna: The Rising Talent
Ayrton Senna was the start of F1 in the 1980s. With 20 wins and a title in 1988, he was an undoubted star of the decade. Senna's raw speed and ability to push the limits made him a fan favorite. However, his aggressive driving style sometimes led to mistakes, and his relationship with Prost at McLaren deteriorated in 1989. Despite this, Senna's impact on the sport was undeniable, and he left a lasting legacy.
3. Nelson Piquet: The Consistent Challenger
Nelson Piquet, like Senna, scored 20 wins during the 1980s. He took more titles, but Senna's impact was greater. Piquet's consistency and ability to lead Brabham to success made him a formidable opponent. However, his serious accident at Tamburello and the decline of Brabham by 1985 limited his chances. What many people don't realize is that Piquet's hard work on the BMW turbo program paid dividends, leading to his success with Gordon Murray's BT52.
4. Nigel Mansell: The Nearly-Man
Nigel Mansell's was a decade of two halves. While he struggled to make a consistent impact in the first half, he became a force to be reckoned with in the second half. Mansell's move to Williams and the partnership with Rosberg led to his first world championship victory at Brands Hatch. However, his infamous tyre blowout in the Adelaide finale meant the title went to Prost. Mansell's impact and abilities were undersold by his five wins.
5. Keke Rosberg: The Spectacular Finn
Keke Rosberg's five wins undersold his talent. He was fully worthy of the 1982 title despite tragic circumstances. Rosberg's spectacular drives and commitment made him a fan favorite. However, his time at McLaren was humbling, and he struggled to match Prost in the understeery MP4/2C. Rosberg's impact and abilities were still significant, and he played a starring role in the famous Australian GP showdown in Adelaide.
6. Niki Lauda: The Comeback King
Niki Lauda's return to F1 is one of motorsport's most-successful comebacks. After a near-death experience, he won as early as his third race back in 1982. Lauda's determination and skill led him to three titles, including a hard-fought battle with Prost in 1984. His performances were of a high level, and his comeback is an inspiration to all.
7. Alan Jones: The Brief but Brilliant
Alan Jones' time at the front was relatively brief, but he should be remembered for his brilliance in the first two years of the decade. Nobody won more GPs than Jones during a competitive period when multiple teams were capable of victories. His time at Williams with Patrick Head's FW07 was impressive, and he topped Autocourse's driver ratings twice. However, his retirement and brief returns with Arrows and Haas were not successful.
8. Gerhard Berger: The Consistent Frontrunner
Gerhard Berger was an exciting new talent of the mid-1980s. While he never quite made the final leap to title contender, he was a consistent frontrunner and enjoyed a long F1 career. Berger's performances with Benetton, Ferrari, and McLaren were impressive, and he took five wins and four poles. However, his biggest problems were elsewhere, and he left Ferrari to start the new decade.
9. Michele Alboreto: The Promise and Struggles
Michele Alboreto showed promise in a struggling Tyrrell team in 1981, and his performances in 1982 moved Autocourse to suggest that he was 'one of the most promising drivers to emerge in a long time'. However, his time at Ferrari was less impressive, and he struggled to tease performance from the 126C4. Alboreto's legacy is one of promise and struggle, and his death following a tyre blowout at Lausitz in April 2001 is a tragic reminder of the risks drivers take.
10. Gilles Villeneuve: The Wild Man
Gilles Villeneuve earns his place on this top 10 having just missed out in the 1970s rankings. His efforts across 1980-82 meant he was regarded by some as the best driver in the world. Villeneuve's performances in the uncompetitive 312T5 and the powerful but downforce-lacking 126CK were impressive. However, his death during qualifying for the Belgian GP two weeks after feeling cheated out of victory by team-mate Didier Pironi is a tragic reminder of the risks drivers take.
In conclusion, the 1980s were a golden era for Formula 1, marked by technological advancements and the rise of superstar drivers. Alain Prost's dominance and Ayrton Senna's raw speed made them the best drivers of the decade, while Nelson Piquet's consistency and Niki Lauda's comeback kept the sport exciting. The decade ended with a bitter rivalry between F1's top two drivers, setting the stage for the 1990s.
