Niki Lauda and his teammate, Alain Prost, finished first and second in the South African Grand Prix. Ayrton Senna scored his first World Championship point when he finished 6th with severe cramp in his neck and shoulders.

A dispute between the Toleman team and Pirelli over money and a misfire in the second session meant that Ayrton Senna did not qualify for the race.

By Lap 31, Senna was seven seconds behind Prost, when Jacky Ickx, race director, suspended the race claiming heavy rain were too unsafe for drivers. Controversial race due to interruption preventing the victory of Brazilian.

The Tyrrell team had been banned from Formula 1 because of its use of lead balls in the water ballast it was using in races. The team appealed the decision although it was later confirmed and all Tyrrell's points in 1984 were taken away.

The Toleman had suspended Ayrton Senna for not informing them of his signing for Lotus for 1985. Stefan Johansson was drafted in to replace the Brazilian; he would be joined by newcomer Pierluigi Martini.

Niki Lauda finish second and won his third and final title with half a point advantage over his team mate Alain Prost.