Forty years ago today, on July 13, 1986, Nigel Mansell secured a triumphant home victory at Brands Hatch. This win, his fourth of the season, captivated the local crowd. However, the XXXIX Shell Oils British Grand Prix was significantly marred by a devastating incident involving Jacques Laffite.
Mansell, driving for Williams-Honda, engaged in a direct battle with his teammate Nelson Piquet. He ultimately crossed the finish line 5.5 seconds ahead of Piquet. This victory marked Mansell as the first British driver to win the British Grand Prix since John Watson in 1981.
The race began with immediate drama. Mansell’s original car suffered a transmission issue, losing second gear due to a blown rear drive-shaft coupling. He was heard on the radio stating, ‘I’m out of the race, I’m out of the race.’
Seconds after the initial start, a multi-car pile-up occurred at Paddock bend. Thierry Boutsen lost control of his Arrows, triggering a chain reaction. Jacques Laffite’s Ligier-Renault plunged head-on into the guard rail.
Laffite, then 42 years old, sustained severe injuries, breaking both legs and his pelvis. He was trapped in his Ligier for ten minutes. This crash, which occurred on his 176th Grand Prix start, equalling Graham Hill’s record, abruptly ended his Formula One career.
Zakspeed driver Jonathan Palmer, a qualified general practitioner, was the first to assist Laffite at the scene. The pile-up blocked the track, leading to the race being red-flagged. Laffite was airlifted to Queen Mary’s Hospital in Sidcup.
The race was delayed by 85 minutes before a restart. This allowed Mansell to switch to the spare Williams car, which had been configured for Piquet. Mansell then led from lap 23 of the 75-lap event, setting the fastest lap on lap 69.
Alain Prost, driving for McLaren-TAG, finished third, one lap behind the dominant Williams duo. This race also marked the return of Frank Williams to the paddock following his pre-season road accident. It was the first 1-2 finish for Williams that season.
The 1986 British Grand Prix was the final Formula One event held at Brands Hatch. From 1987 onwards, all British Grands Prix were permanently relocated to Silverstone.
The 1986 season ultimately saw Alain Prost clinch the Drivers’ World Championship with 72 points. Mansell finished as runner-up with 70 points, while Piquet secured third place with 69 points. Williams-Honda won the Constructors’ Championship.
