Ayrton Senna’s probable move to Lotus was the talk of the town at the Dutch Grand Prix in 1984. Senna had been courted by several teams, including Williams, Tyrrell, Brabham, Lotus, and McLaren, but he had finally made his decision. He was not supposed to announce his decision until he had informed his current team, Toleman, but Lotus could not contain their excitement and leaked the news.
On Saturday, after qualifying in 13th place, Senna was disappointed with his performance. However, the reporters were more interested in his plans for the future. Senna joked with them, pretending to give a speech about winning the pole position.
When the reporters asked him about his decision to join Lotus, Senna refused to comment. He did not even imagine that the leaked news would lead to his suspension from the next race in Italy.
The Dutch GP ended with Alain Prost and Niki Lauda winning for McLaren and Nigel Mansell securing third place in his Lotus. On the other hand, Ayrton retired from the race on the 19th lap after the Hart engine of his Toleman broke down.
1º
A. Prost
2º
N. Piquet
3º
E. de Angelis
4º
D. Warwick
5º
P. Tambay
6º
N. Lauda
7º
K. Rosberg
8º
J. Laffite
9º
M. Alboreto
10º
T. Fabi
11º
T. Boutsen
12º
N. Mansell
13º
Ayrton Senna
14º
A. de Cesaris
15º
R. Arnoux
16º
M. Winkelhock
17º
E. Cheever
18º
R. Patrese
19º
M. Surer
20º
F. Hesnault
21º
P. Ghinzani
22º
J. Palmer
23º
J. Gartner
24º
S. Bellof
25º
S. Johansson
26º
P. Alliot
27º
H.Rothengatter
71
Laps
27
Cars
15
Retirements
1’19”465
Fastest lap
1º
Sunny Weather
Podium
1º
A. Prost
2º
N. Lauda
3º
N. Mansell
–
final position (retired on lap 19)
11º
position in championship following the race
13º
starting place
0
championship points accumulated
1’21”683
best lap